Risk Factor For Pregnancy Complications Research Articles

Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of abnormal placental cord insertions

IntroductionAbnormal placental cord insertions (APCIs) are significant risk factors for pregnancy complications, encompassing marginal cord insertion (MCI), velamentous cord insertion (VCI), and vasa previa (VP). While ultrasound is the primary imaging modality, its accuracy can be limited by factors such as maternal obesity and fetal positioning. Complementary to ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a more precise visualization of the fetus, placenta, and umbilical cord relationships. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for APCIs compared with prenatal ultrasound. MethodsWe retrospectively collected data from 613 patients who underwent prenatal placental ultrasound and MRI. Of those who were confirmed as APCIs through surgery or pathology, the prenatal MRI features were compared with prenatal ultrasound. The diagnostic efficacy of prenatal MRI and ultrasound for APCIs was assessed based on the clinicopathological findings. ResultsFifty-six patients were confirmed as APCIs by surgery or pathology, comprising 31 marginal cord insertions (MCIs), 18 velamentous cord insertions (VCIs), 5 vasa previa (VP) cases, and 2 VCI cases combined with VP. Ultrasound examination showed 55.36 % sensitivity (31/56) and 98.38 % specificity (486/494) in diagnosing APCIs, whereas MRI demonstrated 87.50 % sensitivity (49/56) and 98.88 % specificity (531/537). ConclusionFor APCIs complicated by placental location or morphological abnormalities, MRI demonstrates superior diagnostic efficacy compared to ultrasound in late pregnancy.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Screening for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in antenatal care is inadequate, largely owing to the lack of clarity around whether PCOS is an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis include 104 studies and 106,690 pregnancies in women with and without PCOS from inception until 13th July 2022. We report that women with PCOS are younger and have higher body mass index (BMI) around conception and have greater gestational weight gain. The odds of miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and cesarean section are higher in women with PCOS. The increased odds of adverse outcomes in PCOS remain significant when age and BMI are matched and when analyses are restricted to high-quality studies. This work informed the recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing that PCOS status should be captured in all women who are planning to, or have recently become pregnant to facilitate prevention of adverse outcomes and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Association between Perinatal Outcomes and Maternal Risk Factors: A Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the association between maternal risk factors, such as age, body mass index (BMI), and cigarette smoking, and perinatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis based on prospectively collected data at Hospital Universitario de Torrejón (Madrid, Spain) between September 2017 and December 2019. All pregnant women with singleton pregnancies and non-malformed live fetuses attending their routine ultrasound examination at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks' gestation were invited to participate. The association between preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or fetal-growth-restricted (FGR) neonates, and type of delivery and maternal age, BMI, and cigarette smoking was studied. Logistic mixed models were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 1921 patients were included in the analysis. Women who were ≥40 years old had a significantly higher risk of having GDM (odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08 to 2.36) and SGA neonates (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.37). Women with a BMI < 18 had an increased rate of giving birth to SGA and FGR neonates (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.51 to 7.05, and OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.54 to 8.37, respectively), whereas women with a BMI ≥ 35 had a higher risk of GDM (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.95 to 4.89). Smoking increased the risk of having SGA and FGR neonates (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.46, and OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.78). Conclusions: Advanced maternal age, low or high BMI, and smoking status are significant risk factors for pregnancy complications. Both clinicians and society should concentrate their efforts on addressing these factors to enhance reproductive health.

Risk Factors for Major Pregnancy Complications in Female Cardiothoracic Surgeons.

To describe the incidence of and risk factors for pregnancy complications in female cardiothoracic surgeons compared with women of similar sociodemographic profiles. Female cardiothoracic surgeons often postpone childbearing, but little is known about their pregnancy outcomes. In 2023, a self-administered survey was distributed to US cardiothoracic surgeons/trainees. Surgeons with ≥1 live birth were queried on maternal work hours during pregnancy and major antenatal pregnancy complications. Male surgeons answered on behalf of non-surgeon childbearing partners (female non-surgeons). The study included 255 surgeons (63.53% male; 36.47% female). Compared with female surgeons, male surgeons more often had partners who were not employed outside the home (25.64% vs 13.33%, P <0.001). Female surgeons were older than female non-surgeons at first live birth (34.49±4.41 vs 31.45±4.16, P <0.001), more often worked >60h/wk during pregnancy (70.33% vs 14.08%, P <0.001), and more often had pregnancy complications (45.16% vs 27.16%, P =0.003; operating room (OR): 1.78, 95% CI: 1.01-3.13). Among female surgeons, 18.28% reduced work hours during pregnancy. During their third trimester, 54.84% worked >6 overnight calls/mo, and 72.04% operated >12h/wk. Age ≥35 years (OR: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.27-8.45) and operating >12h/wk during the third trimester (OR: 3.72, 95% CI: 1.04-13.30) were associated with pregnancy complications. Female cardiothoracic surgeons are more likely to experience major pregnancy complications than non-surgeon partners of their male peers. Long operative hours during pregnancy and older maternal age are significant risk factors for pregnancy complications. To advance gender equity, policies to protect maternal-fetal health and facilitate childbearing during training and early career are needed.

Advanced maternal age alters cardiac functional and structural adaptations to pregnancy in rats.

A significant number of pregnancies occur at advanced maternal age (>35 yr), which is a risk factor for pregnancy complications. Healthy pregnancies require massive hemodynamic adaptations, including an increased blood volume and cardiac output. There is growing evidence that these cardiovascular adaptations are impaired with age, however, little is known about maternal cardiac function with advanced age. We hypothesized that cardiac adaptations to pregnancy are impaired with advanced maternal age. Younger (4 mo; ∼early reproductive maturity in humans) and aged (9 mo; ∼35 yr in humans) pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed and compared with age-matched nonpregnant controls. Two-dimensional echocardiographic images were obtained (ultrasound biomicroscopy; under anesthesia) on gestational day 19 (term = 22 days) and compared with age-matched nonpregnant rats (n = 7-9/group). Left ventricular structure and function were assessed using short-axis images and transmitral Doppler signals. During systole, left ventricular anterior wall thickness increased with age in the nonpregnant rats, but there was no age-related difference between the pregnant groups. There were no significant pregnancy-associated differences in left ventricular wall thickness. Calculated left ventricular mass increased with age in nonpregnant rats and increased with pregnancy only in young rats. Compared with young pregnant rats, the aortic ejection time of aged pregnant rats was greater and Tei index was lower. Overall, the greater aortic ejection time and lower Tei index with age in pregnant rats suggest mildly altered cardiac adaptations to pregnancy with advanced maternal age, which may contribute to adverse outcomes in advanced maternal age pregnancies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrated that even before the age of reproductive senescence, rats show signs of age-related alterations in cardiac structure that suggests increased cardiac work. Our data also demonstrate, using an in vivo echocardiographic approach, that advanced maternal age in a rat model is associated with altered cardiac function and structure relative to younger pregnant controls.

Impact of Iron Deficiency Anemia on Hemoglobin A1c Levels in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Pregnant Women

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a well-known risk factor for pregnancy complications. While hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is widely used as a glycemic control indicator, it is known to exhibit falsely low or high levels during gestation. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the fluctuations in HbA1c levels throughout pregnancy in diabetic (DM) and non-DM women with or without iron deficiency anemia (A). Methods: Medical records of pregnant women who were followed up in our obstetrics clinic between 2018 and 2022 were reviewed. Demographics, gestational history, and biochemistry values including fasting glucose, HbA1c, erythrocyte and iron metabolism indexes were recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out by Mann-Whitney U and Bonferroni corrected one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Results: 670 pregnant women (32 ± 14.2 years) were included with matched subgroups. In the non-DM and non-A group, HbA1c exhibited a significant decrease towards mid-pregnancy (5.29 vs. 5.08%, p &lt; 0.01), followed by a steep increase towards the second half of pregnancy, reaching its initial value (5.08 vs. 5.27%, p &lt; 0.01). In the non-DM and A pregnant women, HbA1c decreased from 5.25 to 5.19% (p &gt; 0.05) in first half, followed by a significant increase to 5.37% (p &lt; 0.05) in the second half of pregnancy when serum ferritin values dropped to 5.03 ± 3 µg/mL (p &lt; 0.01). As for DM and non-A group, a biphasic change in HbA1c level was also recorded, however not significant (6.05 vs. 5.81%, p &gt; 0.05). However, in the DM and A group, HbA1c levels were higher (7.09 vs. 6.01%, p &lt; 0.01), along with iron deficiency indicated by ferritin levels (4.7 ± 2.2 µg/mL, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: HbA1c exhibits biphasic changes throughout pregnancy, characterized by decreases towards mid-pregnancy and subsequentincreases in the third trimester. Therefore, questioning HbA1c levels is warranted, considering the changes in maternal physiology in early gestation and the increasing need for iron in later period. Furthermore, iron deficiency anaemia seems to have significant impact on the reliability of HbA1c in both the non-DM and DM pregnant women.

Maternal and neonatal complications after IVF/ICSI-fresh embryo transfer in low-prognosis women under the POSEIDON criteria: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundSeveral studies on pregnancy complications of poor ovarian response (POR) patients did not draw a consistent conclusion. The POSEIDON criteria introduces the concept of “low prognosis” and divides POR patients into four groups based on age, AFC and AMH for individualized management. We analyzed low-prognosis population and patients with regular ovarian response, compared maternal and neonatal complications and discussed the relevant risk factors.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of females who achieved a singleton clinical pregnancy after IVF / ICSI—fresh embryo transfer in a single center from January 2014 to March 2019. Participants with low prognosis, as defined by the POSEIDON criteria, were enrolled in the study groups. The controls were defined as AFC ≥ five and number of retrieved oocytes > nine. Maternal and neonatal complications were compared among those groups.ResultsThere were 2554 cycles in POSEIDON group 1, 971 in POSEIDON group 2, 141 in POSEIDON group 3, 142 in POSEIDON group 4, and 3820 in Control. Univariate analysis roughly showed that Groups 2 and 4 had an increased tendency of pregnancy complications. Multi-variable generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis showed that the risks of GDM, total pregnancy loss, and first-trimester pregnancy loss in Groups 2 and 4 were significantly higher than in Control. The risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in Groups 2 and 3 increased, and Group 4 had an increased tendency without statistical significance. After classification by age, GEE analysis showed no significant difference in risks of all complications among groups ≥ 35 years. In patients < 35 years, the risk of HDP in POSEIDON group 3 was significantly higher than in controls (< 35 years), and there was no significant increase in the risk of other complications.ConclusionCompared to patients with regular ovarian response, low-prognosis population have increased tendency of maternal and neonatal complications. In low-prognosis patients, advanced age (≥ 35 years) might be the predominant risk factor for pregnancy complications. In those < 35 years, poor ovarian reserve could contribute to HDP.

The placental vasculature is affected by changes in gene expression and glycogen-rich cells in a diet-induced obesity mouse model.

Maternal obesity is a risk factor for pregnancy complications. Obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) may alter maternal glucose/glycogen metabolism. Here, our objective was to investigate whether the placental vasculature is altered via changes in gene expression and glycogen-rich cells using a preclinical mouse model of diet-induced obesity. We subjected female FVB/N mice to one of three feeding regimens: regular chow (RC) given at preconception and during pregnancy (Control); RC given at preconception and then a HFD during pregnancy (HFD-P); or HFD initiated 4 weeks preconception and during pregnancy (HFD-PreCP). Daily food consumption and weekly maternal weights were recorded. Maternal blood glucose levels were measured at preconception and 4 gestational epochs (E6.5-E9.5, E10.5-E12.5, E13.5-E15.5, E16.5-E19.5). At E8.5-E16.5, total RNA in placentas were isolated for gene expression analyses. Placentas were also collected for HE and periodic acid Schiff's (PAS) staining and glycogen content assays. Dams in the HFD-P and HFD-PreCP groups gained significantly more weight than controls. Pre- and antenatal glucose levels were also significantly higher (15%-30%) in HFD-PreCP dams. Expression of several placental genes were also altered in HFD dams compared with controls. Consumption of the HFD also led to phenotypic and morphologic changes in glycogen trophoblasts (GlyTs) and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. Alterations in vascularity were also observed in the labyrinth of HFD-PreCP placentas, which correlated with decreased placental efficiency. Overall, we observed that a HFD induces gestational obesity in mice, alters expression of placental genes, affects glucose homeostasis, and alters glycogen-positive GlyTs and uNK cells. All these changes may lead to impaired placental vascular development, and thus heighten the risk for pregnancy complications.

Determinants of Problems in Teenage Pregnancy

This study aims to determine the determinants or risk factors for pregnancy complications in adolescents. This type of research is quantitative analytical research with a case-control approach. The results of univariate analysis show that most respondents married at the age of 16-19 years (92%), and the remainder at the age of 12-15 years lived in rural areas (62%) and with their parents. (70). %), have low education (65.3%), have poor economic conditions (56%), and have anemia status (60%). The most frequently experienced pregnancy problems were constant vomiting and not wanting to eat (39.3%), while the least experienced were bleeding at the beginning or end of pregnancy and yellow eyes/skin (1.3% each). There are two variables related to teenage pregnancy problems, namely anemia status and knowledge about pregnancy. The most influential variable is anemia (p=0.000, OR: 3.995 (1.952-8.174). In conclusion, the impact of complications and deaths on women and children and the effect on future generations can be prevented.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Determinants, Teenage Pregnancy, Problems

The interaction effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index and maternal age on the risk of pregnancy complications in twin pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology

Objective The widespread use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has led to an increased twin pregnancy rate and increased risk of pregnancy complications. Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal age are both risk factors for pregnancy complications. This study aimed to explore whether there is an interaction effect between pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age on pregnancy complications in women with twin pregnancies after ART. Methods Data of 445,750 women with twin pregnancies after ART were extracted from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) database in 2016-2021 in this retrospective cohort study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore (1) the associations between pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal age, and total pregnancy complications; (2) interaction effect between pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age on total pregnancy complications; and (3) this interaction effect in parity, race, gestational weight gain (GWG), and preterm birth subgroups. The evaluation indexes were odds ratios (ORs), relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportions of interaction (AP), and synergy index (S) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 6,827 women had pregnancy complications. After adjusting for the covariates, compared with women had non-AMA and pre-pregnancy BMI <25 kg/m2, higher maternal age combined with higher pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with higher odds of total pregnancy complications [OR = 2.16, 95%CI: (1.98-2.36)]. The RERI (95% CI) was 0.22 (0.04-0.41), AP (95% CI) was 0.10 (0.02-0.19), and S (95% CI) was 1.24 (1.03-1.49). Subgroup analysis results indicated that the potential additive effect between pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age on total pregnancy complications was also found in women with different race, multipara/unipara, GWG levels, or preterm births/non-preterm births (all p < 0.05). Conclusion Pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age may have an additive effect on the odds of pregnancy-related complications in women with twin pregnancy after ART.

Study protocol of an economic evaluation embedded in the Midwives and Obstetricians Helping Mothers to Quit Smoking (MOHMQuit) trial

BackgroundTobacco smoking during pregnancy is the most important preventable risk factor for pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes and can have lifelong consequences for infants. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with higher healthcare costs related to birth complications and during childhood. Psychosocial interventions to support pregnant women to quit are effective, yet provision of smoking cessation support has been inconsistent. The Midwives and Obstetricians Helping Mothers to Quit Smoking (MOHMQuit) intervention provides systems change, and leadership and clinician elements, to support clinicians to help women stop smoking in pregnancy. There have been few long-term analyses conducted of the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for pregnant women that target healthcare providers. This protocol describes the economic evaluation of the MOHMQuit trial, a pragmatic stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled implementation trial in nine public maternity services in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to ascertain whether MOHMQuit is cost-effective in supporting clinicians to help women quit smoking in pregnancy compared to usual care.MethodsTwo primary analyses will be carried out comparing MOHMQuit with usual care from an Australian health care system perspective: i) a within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis with results presented as the incremental cost per additional quitter; and ii) a lifetime cost-utility analysis using a published probabilistic decision analytic Markov model with results presented as incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained for mother and child. Patient-level data on resource use and outcomes will be used in the within-trial analysis and extrapolated and supplemented with national population statistics and published data from the literature for the lifetime analysis.DiscussionThere is increasing demand for information on the cost-effectiveness of implementing healthcare interventions to provide policy makers with critical information for the best value for money within finite budgets. Economic evaluation of the MOHMQuit trial will provide essential, policy-relevant information for decision makers on the value of evidence-based implementation of support for healthcare providers delivering services for pregnant women.Trial registrationsACTRN12622000167763, registered 2 February 2022.

Target Exposome for Characterizing Early Gestational Exposure to Contaminants of Emerging Concern and Association with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Characterization of gestational exposure to complex contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) is critical to the identification of environmental risk factors for pregnancy complications. However, determination of various CECs with diverse physicochemical properties in biological fluids is technically challenging. In the present study, we developed a target exposome protocol, consisting of simple liquid-liquid extraction-based sample preparation and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, to determine 325 CECs covering 11 subclasses, including poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, organophosphate esters, ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers, synthetic antioxidants, phthalate esters, and several others. The protocol exhibits exceptional advantages over traditional approaches in the coverage of chemicals, sample volume demand, and time and financial cost. The protocol was applied in a prospective nested gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) study including 120 cases and 240 matched healthy controls. Thirty-three CECs were detected in >70% of the samples, with a combined concentration of 17.0-484.7 ng/mL. Bayesian kernel machine regression analysis showed that exposure to the CEC mixture was significantly associated with a higher GDM risk. For example, when increasing all CECs in the mixture from 50th percentile to 75th percentile, the estimated probit of GDM incidence had an increase of 92% (95% CI: 56%, 127%). Meanwhile, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, 1,3-diphenylguanidine, and dibutyl fumarate were identified as the key CECs driving the joint effect. This work demonstrates great potential of our target exposome protocol for environmental risk factor identification in large-scale epidemiology or biomonitoring studies.

Advanced maternal age

During the last decades, couples in Europe have been delaying parenthood, since 1970. Advanced age of childbearing has been related to socio-demographic factors, such as increased rates of university education and employment in women and poorer financial status.Fertility potential declines with advancing age, especially after the mid-30s, alongside with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. In contrast to men, age has long been recognized as the most significant risk factor for infertility in women. The ovarian reserve diminishes, the hormonal environment is altered and oocyte quality (specifically, chromosomal, morphologic and functional abnormalities) worsens with age. Women of advanced age are more likely to have acquired infections affecting tubal patency and function or suffer from endometriosis, uterine fibroids and endometrial polyps. Deterioration in lifestyle, such as lack of physical exercise also affect female fertility. Management of infertility should start early. Thus, it has been suggested that a woman should seek medical investigation as soon as six months after regular unprotected intercourse without conception, when 35–40 years of age, and immediately, when over 40 years.Advanced maternal age, traditionally defined as over 35 years of age, is a well-recognized risk factor for pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, multiple gestation, and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).Fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality are higher as well. Since the rate of chromosomal and gene abnormalities as well as congenital mal- formations is high in offspring of women of advanced age, prenatal diagnostic procedures should be encouraged.Both maternal and paternal advanced age has been associated with various conditions and diseases in the offspring. A recent, large, population study demonstrated that offspring born to mothers younger than 25 or older than 35 years of age have worse outcomes,.In case of pregnancy, both paternal and maternal advanced age are associated to pregnancy complications during early and late pregnancy, as well as to long-term offspring health, by affecting immune, neuro-developmental, psychological and cognitive parameters. Thus, all adults of reproductive age should receive counseling on the risks of advanced maternal age, so they can make informed decisions about the timing of childbearing.

Imbalance of angiogenic and growth factors in the placenta in maternal hyperhomocysteinemia

Numerous studies have shown that various adverse factors of different nature and action mechanisms have similar negative influence on placental angiogenesis, resulting in insufficiency of placental blood supply. One of the risk factors for pregnancy complications with placental etiology is an increased level of homocysteine in the blood of pregnant women. However, the effect of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) on the development of the placenta and, in particular, on the formation of its vascular network is at present poorly understood. The aim of this work was to study the effect of maternal HHcy on the expression of angiogenic and growth factors (VEGF-A, MMP-2, VEGF-B, BDNF, NGF), as well as their receptors (VEGFR-2, TrkB, p75NTR), in the rat placenta. The effects of HHcy were studied in the morphologically and functionally different maternal and fetal parts of the placenta on the 14th and 20th day of pregnancy. The maternal HHcy caused increase in the levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis markers accompanied by an imbalance of the studied angiogenic and growth factors in the maternal and/or fetal part of the placenta. The influence of maternal HHcy in most cases manifested in a decrease in the protein content (VEGF-A), enzymatic activity (MMP-2), gene expression (VEGFB, NGF, TRKB), and accumulation of precursor form (proBDNF) of the studied factors. In some cases, the effects of HHcy differed depending on the placental part and stage of development. The influence of maternal HHcy on signaling pathways and processes controlled by the studied angiogenic and growth factors could lead to incomplete development of the placental vasculature and decrease in the placental transport, resulting in fetal growth restriction and impaired fetal brain development.

Imbalance of Angiogenic and Growth Factors in Placenta in Maternal Hyperhomocysteinemia

Numerous studies have shown that various adverse factors of different nature and action mechanisms have similar negative influence on placental angiogenesis, resulting in insufficiency of placental blood supply. One of the risk factors for pregnancy complications with placental etiology is an increased level of homocysteine in the blood of pregnant women. However, the effect of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) on the development of the placenta and, in particular, on the formation of its vascular network is at present poorly understood. The aim of this work was to study the effect of maternal HHcy on the expression of angiogenic and growth factors (VEGF-A, MMP-2, VEGF-B, BDNF, NGF), as well as their receptors (VEGFR-2, TrkB, p75NTR), in the rat placenta. The effects of HHcy were studied in the morphologically and functionally different maternal and fetal parts of the placenta on the 14th and 20th day of pregnancy. The maternal HHcy caused increase in the levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis markers accompanied by an imbalance of the studied angiogenic and growth factors in the maternal and/or fetal part of the placenta. The influence of maternal HHcy in most cases manifested in a decrease in the protein content (VEGF-A), enzymatic activity (MMP-2), gene expression (VEGFB, NGF, TRKB), and accumulation of precursor form (proBDNF) of the investigated factors. In some cases, the effects of HHcy differed depending on the placental part and stage of development. The influence of maternal HHcy on signaling pathways and processes controlled by the studied angiogenic and growth factors could lead to incomplete development of the placental vasculature and decrease in the placental transport, resulting in fetal growth restriction and impaired fetal brain development.

Pre-Pregnancy eGFR and the Risk of Adverse Maternal and Fetal Outcomes: A Population-Based Study.

Pregnancies in women with CKD carry greater risk than pregnancies in the general population. The small number of women in prior studies has limited estimates of this risk, especially among those with advanced CKD. We report the results of a population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada, that assessed more than 500,000 pregnancies, including 600 with a baseline eGFR < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 . The investigation demonstrates increases in risk of different adverse maternal and fetal outcomes with lower eGFR and further risk elevation with baseline proteinuria. CKD is a risk factor for pregnancy complications, but estimates for adverse outcomes come largely from single-center studies with few women with moderate or advanced stage CKD. To investigate the association between maternal baseline eGFR and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, we conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study of women (not on dialysis or having had a kidney transplant) in Ontario, Canada, who delivered between 2007 and 2019. The study included 565,907 pregnancies among 462,053 women. Administrative health databases captured hospital births, outpatient laboratory testing, and pregnancy complications. We analyzed pregnancies with serum creatinine measured within 2 years of conception up to 30 days after conception and assessed the impact of urine protein where available. The risk of major maternal morbidity, preterm delivery, and low birthweight increased monotonically across declining eGFR categories, with risk increase most notable as eGFR dropped below 60 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 . A total of 56 (40%) of the 133 pregnancies with an eGFR <45 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 resulted in delivery under 37 weeks, compared with 10% of pregnancies when eGFR exceeded 90 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 . Greater proteinuria significantly increased risk within each eGFR category. Maternal and neonatal deaths were rare regardless of baseline eGFR (<0.3% of all pregnancies). Only 7% of women with an eGFR <45 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 received dialysis during or immediately after pregnancy. We observed higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with low eGFR with concurrent proteinuria. These results can help inform health care policy, preconception counseling, and pregnancy follow-up in women with CKD.

Prevalence trends and individual patterns of ADHD medication use in pregnancy in Norway and Sweden, 2010–2019

PurposeThis study aimed to describe recent trends in ADHD medication use in pregnancy in Norway and Sweden, including prevalence, individual characteristics, and patterns of use.MethodsWe studied ADHD medication use (amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methylphenidate, atomoxetine, lisdexamfetamine, guanfacine) by year and age in pregnancies from 2010 to 2019 identified from the medical birth registers (gestational age ≥ 22 weeks) linked to prescribed drug registers (Norway, N = 577,116; Sweden, N = 1,118,988). We compared characteristics of those who used any ADHD medication in pregnancy to no use in pregnancy. Discontinuation was defined as no use after first trimester.ResultsADHD medication use increased from 2010 to 2019 by 3.0 users per 1000 pregnancies in Norway (from 2.5 to 5.5/1000) and by 6.3 per 1000 in Sweden (from 1.6 to 7.9/1000), mainly driven by methylphenidate and since 2015 by lisdexamfetamine. Medication use has increased among pregnant individuals of all age groups, with higher use among the youngest. Pregnant individuals who used ADHD medication were less likely to be married/cohabiting, more likely be nulliparous and to smoke. They had particularly high use of co-medication with antidepressants, anxiolytics/hypnotics, and opioids: 42% in Norway and 65% in Sweden used at least one additional class of psychotropic medication. Most individuals discontinued ADHD medication in pregnancy (85% Norway, 78% Sweden).ConclusionADHD medication use during pregnancy increased in Norway and Sweden in the last decade. However, discontinuation rates during pregnancy were high. Those who used ADHD medication had more risk factors for pregnancy complications including low parity, smoking, and other psychotropic drug use.

Comparison of frozen-thawed embryo transfer strategies for the treatment of infertility in young women: a retrospective study.

To investigate transfer strategies in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle. The clinical data of 1,652 FET patients were divided into five groups according to the number and quality of the transferred blastocyst: high-quality single blastocyst group (group A, n=558), high-quality plus poor-quality double blastocyst group (group B, n=435), poor-quality double blastocyst group (group C, n=241), high-quality double blastocyst group (group D, n=298), and poor-quality single blastocyst group (group E, n=120). Inter-group comparison analyses of primary conditions, pregnancy outcomes and neonatal outcomes were then performed. Group A had the highest embryo implantation rate (67.38%), significantly different from the implantation rates of the other four groups. The gemellary pregnancy rate (1.60%), preterm birth rate (5.58%), neonatal birth weight (3,350g [3,000g, 3,650g]), neonatal birth age (39.57 weeks [38.71, 40.34]), and incidence of low birth weight (7.02%) in group A were different from those in groups B, C, and D, but did not significantly differ from those in group E. Moreover, the proportions of male infants born in groups A (56.86%) and D (59.41%) were significantly higher than those in the other three groups. Double blastocyst transfer (0.528, 95% CI [0.410-0.680], P<0.001) and high-quality blastocyst transfer (0.609, 95% CI [0.453-0.820], P=0.001) were found to be protective factors for live birth. In addition, double blastocyst transfer was also the largest risk factor for pregnancy complications (3.120, 95% CI [2.323-4.190], P<0.001) and neonatal complications (2.230, 95% CI [1.515-3.280], P<0.001), especially for gemellary pregnancy (59.933, 95% CI [27.298-131.58], P<0.001) and preterm birth (3.840, 95% CI [2.272-6.489], P<0.001). Based on the ROC curves, a double blastocyst transfer could predict gemellary pregnancy reliably with a high area under the curve (AUC = 78.53%). Additionally, a double blastocyst transfer could effectively predict a high risk of pregnancy complications (AUC = 65.90%), neonatal complications (AUC = 64.80%) and preterm birth (AUC = 66.20%). The live birth rate of frozen-thawed high-quality single blastocyst transfer is lower than that of double high-quality blastocyst transfer, which can significantly increase the embryo implantation rate. High-quality single blastocyst transfer also significantly lowers the risk of gemellary pregnancy, preterm birth, and low birth weight, and can significantly improve maternal and infant outcomes. After weighing the pros and cons of live birth with pregnancy and neonatal complications, the authors believe that high-quality single blastocyst transfer is the optimal FET strategy for young women and is worthy of further clinical application. Despite this recommendation, high-quality single blastocyst transfer can increase the risk of monozygotic twins, as well as significantly increase the proportion of male infants born.

Knowledge and Perception of Risk in Pregnancy and Childbirth among Women in Low-Income Communities in Accra

Perception and knowledge of risk factors for pregnancy influence health behaviors during pregnancy and childbirth. We used a descriptive qualitative study to examine the perception and knowledge of risk factors in pregnancy and childbirth in low-income urban women in Ghana. Over the course of three-months, 12 focus group discussions and six individual interviews were conducted with 90 participants selected from six communities in the study area. Data were analyzed using inductive-thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that participants had knowledge of some risk factors, although some had superstitious beliefs. Participants viewed pregnancy as an exciting and unique experience, but also challenging, with a host of medical and psychological risks. Pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), lack of physical activity, poverty, poor nutrition, and lack of social support were identified as conditions that could lead to negative pregnancy outcomes. Superstitious beliefs such as exposure to “evil eye” during pregnancy, as well as curses and spells, were also identified as risk factors for pregnancy complications. This research has implications for policies and programs to improve pregnancy outcomes for low-income women in Ghana. Thus, we recommend social and economic support programs as well as health education to change misperceptions about pregnancy risk and to support other efforts being made to improve maternal health outcomes.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anaemia among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care at Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College and Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Background: Anaemia during pregnancy is a major public health problem worldwide. The prevalence is high in developing countries compared to developed countries. In Bangladesh, anaemia during pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity as it is an additional risk factor for pregnancy complications. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant mothers and determine associated risk factors.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College and Hospital (JRRMCH), Sylhet, from February to May 2022. A total of 400 study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed by using SPSS. A Chi-square test and binary logistic regression test were carried out to determine associated risk factors. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Result: Among 400 study participants, the prevalence was 53.50%. Among them 32.25% had mild anaemia, 20.25% had moderate anaemia, and 1% had severe anaemia. The prevalence was higher in rural areas (58.09%) than urban areas (46.54%). The majority of them were in the age group between 15-26 years. About 44.75% were primi gravida and 55.25% were multi gravida. About 70.25% of the respondents had taken iron supplementation. Maternal age 27-38 year (Adjusted odd ratio (AOR=1.847)), family monthly income (BDT) 50000-75000 (AOR=2.145), nuclear family (AOR=2.045), para (AOR=2.949), and gravida (AOR=1.636) were found to be independent factors of anaemia among pregnant mothers. Iron and folic acid supplement was protective of anaemia (AOR=0.432).&#x0D; Conclusion: In our study, more than half of pregnant mothers were anaemic and most had mild to moderate anaemia. Based on identified risk factors it is highly recommended to improve socio-economic condition, level of education, family planning services and nutritional status. Iron supplementation should be encouraged for pregnant mothers.