Significant Neonatal Morbidity Research Articles

Perinatal outcome of babies delivered to eclamptic mothers: A retrospective study in a rural teaching hospital of western Maharashtra

Background: Eclampsia is an important cause of significant neonatal morbidity in terms of prematurity, Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR), Low Birth Weight (LBW), and birth asphyxia. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the perinatal outcome with respect to maternal and neonatal characteristics and to evaluate the neonatal morbidity/ mortality. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 75 cases of eclampsia, 68 liveborn neonates and 39 neonates admitted at the teaching Hospital, situated in rural Maharashtra from January 2020 to November 2020 were analysed and findings were presented in tables. Results: Of 75 eclamptic mothers, 55 (73.33%) were primipara and 20 (26.67%) were multipara. Mean maternal age was 22 years. Mean gestational age was 34 + 6 weeks. Fifty-six (75%) mothers needed lower uterine caesarean section. The majority of eclamptic mothers had less than optimal antenatal care, primigravidae (74.67%) and young (less than 20 years). Out of 68 live born neonates 60.3 % were preterm. One fourth of them were very preterm. Three fourth neonates born were low birth weight (LBW), amongst them 2 were extremely LBW. Nearly one fourth neonates were small of gestational age (SGA). More than half of neonates required specialised care in neonatal unit. Indications for admission were prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, growth retardation, perinatal asphyxia and early-onset sepsis. Overall neonatal mortality was 5.26% (4/68) and 10% (4/39) amongst admitted newborns. Causes of death were extreme LBW and sepsis. Conclusion: Significant neonatal morbidity has been observed in neonates born to eclamptic mothers in the rural population. Neonatal problems requiring special/intensive neonatal care were prematurity, LBW, IUGR, and birth asphyxia. Neonatal mortality amongst admitted newborns was 10%. Extreme LBW and sepsis were the causes for neonatal death.

Investigation of immunity against Bordetella pertussis in pregnant women and an overview of the vaccination schedule in Turkey.

Pertussis caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a disease leading to significant morbidity and mortality in neonates and infants. Direct protection of the infant may be achieved by maternal and neonatal vaccination. Despite primary vaccination, infants under six months pose the greatest risk of infection with pertussis. Maternal immunization provides a high level of infant protection from birth until immunity is achieved by active vaccination. There is no routine Tdap vaccination recommendation for pregnant women in Turkey. This study was carried out to determine pertussis antibody levels in pregnant women and provide data for improving vaccine planning. The study was carried out with 133 pregnant women in Turkey. Antibody titers to pertussis toxin (anti-PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (anti-FHA) were measured by the commercially available ELISA. Among 133 participants, 93 (69.9%) were found to be immune according to anti-PT IgG antibody levels. According to anti-FHA IgG antibody levels, 123 (92.5%) participants were considered to be immune. A positive correlation was observed between PT and FHA and the findings were statistically significant (P < 0.001, r = 0.343). In the study group, the ages of the participants varied between 17 and 44 years. The mean age of those who were immune was 27.3±5.6, the mean age of non-immune patients was 29.1±6.2 and the difference was not statistically significant (P= 0.14). Our results reveal that approximately one-third of pregnant women were not immune to pertussis, reflecting many young infants to be vulnerable to pertussis infection until the onset of primary vaccinations, although childhood pertussis vaccination coverage has been high for a long time. We conclude that Tdap vaccine recommendation for pregnant women regardless of previous immunization history may be beneficial for the protection of infants in their first six months.

Vaginal Colonization and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Group B &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Streptococcus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Isolated from Pregnant Women in Maternit&amp;#233; de l’H&amp;#244;pital Des Soeurs de Pauvres de Bergame de Kimbanseke, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterium which often colonizes maternal vaginal and rectal epitheliums and can be transmitted to the neonate during delivery. GBS infections may cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity, including sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. In Democratic Republic of Congo, few studies have been done on GBS colonization of pregnant women. This study was conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo in order to determine the prevalence of GBS vaginal colonization among pregnant women at a gestational age of 35 - 37 weeks and the antibiotic susceptibility. Vaginal swabs of 104 pregnant women were inoculated onto Chromatic Strepto B medium. GBS isolates were identified by Gram staining, catalase test, blue-green colonies and confirmed to be GBS by Strepto B latex test kit. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the disc diffusion method. The prevalence of GBS vaginal colonization was 23.07%. Of the isolates studied 100%, 75%, 62.5%, 50% were sensitive to vancomycin, clindamycin, cefazolin, and erythromycin respectively. Our findings seem to suggest that maternal GBS colonization rate in this study was higher compared to a previous report from Bukavu in Democratic Republic of Congo. All isolates were found to be sensitive to vancomycin which was the most effective antibiotic for the treatment of GBS infections.

First trimester fasting plasma glucose screen in advanced maternal age women: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Background The prevalence of preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the United States is on the rise. Women of advanced maternal age (AMA, ≥35 years) are more likely to have preexisting T2DM in pregnancy because glucose intolerance increases with age. Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and earlier treatment initiation improves pregnancy outcomes. However, maternal age is not currently recognized as an independent risk factor that warrants diabetes screening prior to the traditional screen at 24–28 weeks gestation. Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of screening all AMA women with a first trimester fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test for earlier diagnosis and management of preexisting T2DM. Study design A decision-analytic model was created to compare pregnancy outcomes in AMA women who undergo a first trimester FPG test vs third trimester oral glucose tolerance test alone. Probabilities were obtained from the literature. Outcomes examined included preeclampsia, preterm delivery, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury (BPI), intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), cerebral palsy, and neonatal death. The cost, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the first trimester screening strategy were examined as well. Sensitivity analyses and a Monte Carlo simulation were performed to test the model’s robustness. Results In AMA women, screening for preexisting T2DM in the first trimester with an FPG test resulted in fewer cases of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, BPI, IUFD, cerebral palsy, and neonatal death compared to performing a third trimester oral glucose tolerance test alone, and is cost-effective. Monte Carlo analysis incorporating the distribution of all probabilities showed that first trimester FPG screening remained cost-effective as long as the incremental cost of initiating diabetes treatment in the first trimester was less than $150,000 and the cost of the FPG screen was less than $2700. Conclusion Compared to third trimester oral glucose tolerance test alone, performing a first trimester FPG screen in AMA women is cost-saving and more effective.

Intra-amniotic Infection

Intra-amniotic Infection

Chorioamnionitis induces enteric nervous system injury: effects of timing and inflammation in the ovine fetus

BackgroundChorioamnionitis, inflammation of the chorion and amnion, which often results from intrauterine infection, is associated with premature birth and contributes to significant neonatal morbidity and mortality, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Recently, we have shown that chronic chorioamnionitis is associated with significant structural enteric nervous system (ENS) abnormalities that may predispose to later NEC development. Understanding time point specific effects of an intra-amniotic (IA) infection on the ENS is important for further understanding the pathophysiological processes and for finding a window for optimal therapeutic strategies for an individual patient. The aim of this study was therefore to gain insight in the longitudinal effects of intrauterine LPS exposure (ranging from 5 h to 15 days before premature delivery) on the intestinal mucosa, submucosa, and ENS in fetal lambs by use of a well-established translational ovine chorioamnionitis model.MethodsWe used an ovine chorioamnionitis model to assess outcomes of the fetal ileal mucosa, submucosa and ENS following IA exposure to one dose of 10 mg LPS for 5, 12 or 24 h or 2, 4, 8 or 15 days.ResultsFour days of IA LPS exposure causes a decreased PGP9.5- and S100β-positive surface area in the myenteric plexus along with submucosal and mucosal intestinal inflammation that coincided with systemic inflammation. These changes were preceded by a glial cell reaction with early systemic and local gut inflammation. ENS changes and inflammation recovered 15 days after the IA LPS exposure.ConclusionsThe pattern of mucosal and submucosal inflammation, and ENS alterations in the fetus changed over time following IA LPS exposure. Although ENS damage seemed to recover after prolonged IA LPS exposure, additional postnatal inflammatory exposure, which a premature is likely to encounter, may further harm the ENS and influence functional outcome. In this context, 4 to 8 days of IA LPS exposure may form a period of increased ENS vulnerability and a potential window for optimal therapeutic strategies.

Effect of Feeding Strategies on the Development of Fulminant Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) causes significant neonatal morbidity. A subset of infants experience precipitous decline and death from fulminant-NEC (F-NEC). We sought to determine the effect of feeding practices on the development of this more virulent form of NEC. Premature neonates developing Bell's stage II or III NEC between May 2011 and June 2017 were reviewed. Infants were stratified as having NEC or F-NEC, defined as NEC-totalis or NEC causing rapid decline and death within 72 hours. Risk factors extracted included demographics, gestational age, and weight at NEC diagnosis. Feeding data extracted included age at first feed, caloric density, type of feed (breast milk or formula), and whether full volume feeds were reached. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed. A total of 98 patients were identified, of which 80 were included. In total, 57 patients had NEC and 23 had F-NEC. Reaching full volume feeds was associated with F-NEC on both univariate and multivariate analysis (37.9 vs. 4.5%; odds ratio: 67, 95% confidence interval: 6.606-2041, p = 0.003). Infants developing F-NEC achieved full feeds earlier (22.5 vs. 19.8 days, p = 0.025) on univariate but not multivariate analysis. There was no difference in the rates of NEC and F-NEC among infants receiving breast milk (standard or fortified) or formula (standard or increased caloric density; p = 0.235). Among premature neonates with NEC, reaching full volume feedings was associated with a nearly 70-fold increased risk of F-NEC. Assuming it was possible to predict an infant's development of NEC, alternative feeding regimens might reduce the risk of F-NEC in this population.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders - Peri-operative management: The role of the anaesthetist.

The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is increasing and will become more commonly encountered by obstetric anaesthetists in the elective and emergency settings. Significant maternal and neonatal morbidity is associated with these disorders, and hence it is important for anaesthetists to have early involvement in perioperative planning. Major haemorrhage should be anticipated and requires robust perioperative preparation including Patient Blood Management (PBM) and use of intraoperative strategies for haemorrhage management wherever possible. Several institutions have demonstrated good outcomes with regional anaesthesia alone, but the choice of anaesthetic technique requires individualised planning considering patient, anaesthetic and surgical factors. Optimisation of postoperative analgesia needs additional consideration; it is key to good recovery, minimising the impact on quality of life and reducing the risk of persistent post-surgical pain. Further research is required to ascertain the optimal multi-modal analgesic regime including the role of peripheral nerve blockade.

A composite neonatal adverse outcome indicator using population-based data: an update.

IntroductionSevere morbidity rates in neonates can be estimated using diagnosis and procedure coding in linked routinely collected retrospective data as a cost-effective way to monitor quality and safety of perinatal services. Coding changes necessitate an update to the previously published composite neonatal adverse outcome indicator for identifying infants with severe or medically significant morbidity.ObjectivesTo update the neonatal adverse outcome indicator for identifying neonates with severe or medically significant morbidity, and to investigate the validity of the updated indicator.MethodsWe audited diagnosis and procedure codes and used expert clinician input to update the components of the indicator. We used linked birth, hospital and death data for neonates born alive at 24 weeks or more in New South Wales, Australia (2002–2014) to describe the incidence of neonatal morbidity and assess the validity of the updated indicator.ResultsThe updated indicator included 28 diagnostic and procedure components. In our population of 1,194,681 live births, 5.44% neonates had some form of morbidity. The rate of morbidity was greater for higher-risk pregnancies and was lowest for those born at 39–40 weeks’ gestation. Incidence increased over the study period for overall neonatal morbidity, and for individual components: intravenous infusion, respiratory diagnoses, and non-invasive ventilation. Severe or medically significant neonatal morbidity was associated with double the risk of hospital readmission and 10 times the risk of death within the first year of life.ConclusionThe updated composite indicator has maintained concurrent and predictive validity and is a standardised, economic way to measure neonatal morbidity when using population-based data. Changes within individual components should be considered when examining longitudinal data.

Low descending aorta flow is associated with adverse feeding outcomes in neonates with small left-sided structures.

Feeding intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) cause significant morbidity in neonates with duct-dependent systemic circulations. Whether these complications are associated with low blood flow to the bowel is unproven. The aim of this study was to determine whether low descending aortic (DAO) flow is associated with adverse feeding outcomes in neonates with small left-sided structures, including borderline left ventricle and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging studies and abdominal Doppler ultrasound profiles prior to any cardiac interventions in neonates with small left-sided structures were analyzed. Descending aortic flows, indexed to body surface area, were collected. Medical charts were reviewed for a composite outcome of feeding intolerance and/or NEC. Among the 51 enrolled study patients (mean age 4.6, SD 4.5 days), 13 experienced the composite outcome (feeding intolerance in 13, NEC in 2). The mean DAO flow in patients who experienced the composite outcome was 0.89 L/min/m2 (SD 0.33 L/min/m2), compared to 1.23 L/min/m2 (SD 0.41 L/min/m2) in those that did not (p = 0.007). A DAO flow of 0.91 L/min/m2 identified patients who experienced feeding intolerance or NEC with a sensitivity of 61% and a specificity of 76%. Doppler ultrasound metrics of DAO flow did not correlate with DAO flow or predict adverse feeding outcomes. Low DAO flow is associated with adverse outcomes, including feeding intolerance and NEC, in neonates with small left-sided structures. Heightened clinical vigilance towards feeding complications in patients with low DAO flow is recommended.

MECONIUM STAINED AMNIOTIC FLUID AND ITS NEONATAL OUTCOME IN A RURAL TERTIARY CARE CENTER NEAR MATHURA

The presence of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is a sign of fetal compromise. It is associated with significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. MSAF is frequently associated with high cesarean rate, prolonged labour,low APGAR scores, increased rate of birth asphyxia; increased NICU admission, meconium aspiration syndrome and neonatal death. The aim of this prospective study is to correlate the effect of meconium stained amniotic fluid on neonatal outcome.&#x0D; Keywords: Meconium stained amniotic fluid, Neonatal morbidity and mortality, NICU.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (Bochkdalek)—Becomes Symptomatic in Seventh Decade of Life—a Rare Case Report

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a condition characterized by defect in the diaphragm which leads to protrusion of abdominal contents or viscera into the thoracic cavity interfering with normal development of the lungs. CDH is a developmental defect of diaphragm associated with significant neonatal mortality and morbidity. Incomplete development of diaphragm allows the abdominal content to invade the thoracic cavity resulting in compression of the developing lungs. Most of the CDH diagnosed in the new born or early childhood. Around 1% with CDH have no symptoms and may be detected incidentally. Diaphragmatic hernias can be divided into two broad categories: congenital and acquired. A congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs through embryologic defects in the diaphragm, and most patients present early in life rather than later. However, a subset of adults may present with a smaller CDH that was undetected during childhood. Infants with CDH often present in the neonatal period with severe respiratory distress. Early surgery is mainstay of treatment in newborn as mortality is very high in this condition. Here, we are describing very late presentation of a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated by surgery with good post operative outcome. This case report summarizes how to diagnose and manage a late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia to prevent further complications.

Success Rates of Shoulder Dystocia Managed by Internal Rotational Manoeuvres and Delivery of the Posterior Arm: A Review of the Literature

Shoulder dystocia is a rare complication of childbirth that can result in significant neonatal and maternal morbidity and even neonatal death.1,2 This literature review identifies the success rates of the internal rotational manoeuvres and delivery of the posterior arm to resolve shoulder dystocia and subsequent neonatal outcomes.

The ability of late pregnancy maternal tests to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with placental dysfunction (specifically fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia): a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of prognostic accuracy studies

BackgroundPre-eclampsia and being born small for gestational age are associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Placental dysfunction is a key pathological process underpinning these conditions; thus, markers of placental function have the potential to identify pregnancies ending in pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and the birth of a small for gestational age infant.Primary objectiveTo assess the predictive ability of late pregnancy (after 24 weeks’ gestation) tests in isolation or in combination for adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with placental dysfunction, including pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, delivery of a SGA infant (more specifically neonatal growth restriction), and stillbirth.MethodsStudies assessing the ability of biochemical tests of placental function and/or ultrasound parameters in pregnant women beyond 24 weeks’ gestation to predict outcomes including pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, delivery of a SGA infant (including neonatal growth restriction), and/or fetal growth restriction will be identified by searching the following databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, CINAHL, ISRCTN registry, UK Clinical Trials Gateway, and WHO International Clinical Trials Portal. Any study design in which the biomarker and ultrasound scan potential predictors have been assessed after 24 weeks’ gestation but before diagnosis of outcomes (pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, SGA (including neonatal growth restriction), and stillbirth) will be eligible (this would include randomized control trials and nested prospective case-control and cohort studies), and there will be no restriction on the background risk of the population. All eligible studies will be assessed for risk of bias using the modified QUADAS-2 tool. Meta-analyses will be undertaken using the ROC models to estimate and compare test discrimination and reclassification indices to test calibration. Validation will be explored by comparing consistency across studies.DiscussionThis review will assess whether current published data reporting either a single or combination of tests in late pregnancy can accurately predict adverse pregnancy outcome(s) associated with placental dysfunction. Accurate prediction could allow targeted management and possible intervention for high-risk pregnancies, ultimately avoiding adverse outcomes associated with placental disease.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42018107049

Umbilical Cord Prolapse and Management Upon Medical Personnel Skills – Case Report

Umbilical cord prolapse is obstetric emergency that may have significant neonatal morbidity and mortality if not prompt professional management does not take place. Umbilical cord prolapse is the descended umbilical cord via collum uteri with proceeding presenting part after ruptured of membranes of the amniotic fluid. Case Report A 31 years old pregnant woman, comes to maternity service after her waters were broken (ruptured membranes of amniotic fluid), spontaneously at home. It was her second pregnancy; her first pregnancy was vaginal delivery 3 years ago. Actual pregnancy according to her last menstrual period was term pregnancy; she stated that was followed up during pregnancy by her obstetrician. Within very few minutes, patient was seen by admission midwife, where vaginal examination was performed and umbilical cord prolapsed was identified. The fetal heart rate was listened by Pinard horn obstetrical stethoscope and bradyarrythmia was present. The on duty obstetrician was called, while patient was kept on obstetrical lithotomy position by midwife. Bimanual pelvic examination was performed by obstetrician on duty, the prolapsed of umbilical cord was confirmed and bradyarrythmia of fetal heart was present. At this time, patient was taken to operating room, and electronic fetal monitoring was performed, where fetal bradyarrythmia 90 FHR/min and immediate Cesarean section delivery was performed, baby did cry immediately after delivery, Apgar score 8/9 referred neonatologist assessment. Conclusion , umbilical cord prolapse is a life threatening event for the fetus and requires immediate intervention. Medical personnel should be well trained to address such emergency proper and professional management. Keywords: Umbilical cord prolapse, obstetrical emergency, mortality, morbidity, fetus DOI: 10.7176/ALST/80-04 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

New approaches to congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a structural birth defect that results in significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. CDH occurs in 2-4 per 10 000 pregnancies, and despite meaningful advances in neonatal intensive care, the mortality rate in infants with isolated CDH is still 25-30%. In this review, we will present data on the molecular underpinnings of pathological lung development in CDH, prenatal diagnosis, and prognostication in CDH cases, existing fetal therapy modalities, and future directions. Developments in the prenatal assessment and in-utero therapy of pregnancies complicated by congenital diaphragmatic hernia are rapidly evolving. Although ultrasound has been the mainstay of prenatal diagnosis, fetal MRI appears to be an increasingly important modality for severity classification. While fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) may have a role in the prenatal management of severe CDH cases, it is possible that future therapeutic paradigms will incorporate adjunct medical interventions with either stem cells or sildenafil in order to address the vascular effects of CDH on the developing lung. Both animal and human data have shown that the pathophysiological underpinnings of CDH are multifactorial, and it appears that future prenatal assessments and therapies will likely be as well.

Short- and long-term outcomes of preterm spontaneous twin anemia-polycythemia sequence.

Background In monochorionic twin pregnancy, placental anastomosis and inter-twin blood transfusion can result in specific complications, such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). It is well established that adverse outcomes are increased in TTTS, but reports on the neonatal and long-term outcomes of TAPS are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes in spontaneous TAPS. Methods The study population consisted of monochorionic twin pregnancies with preterm birth (24-37 weeks of gestation) between November 2003 and December 2016 and in which cord blood was taken at the time of delivery. According to the result of hemoglobin in cord blood, the study population was divided into two groups: a spontaneous TAPS group and a control group. Neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results During the study period, 11 cases were diagnosed as spontaneous TAPS (6.4%). The TAPS group had lower gestational age at delivery and had a higher risk for cesarean delivery. However, neonates with TAPS were not at an increased risk for neonatal mortality and significant neonatal morbidity. In addition, the frequency of severe cerebral lesion during the neonatal period and the risk of cerebral palsy at 2 years of age were not different between the two groups. Conclusion The spontaneous TAPS diagnosed by postnatal diagnostic criteria was not associated with the increased risk of adverse neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the morbidity of antenatally diagnosed TAPS.

Management of viral hepatitis A, C, D and E in pregnancy.

Viral hepatitis can cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Hepatitis A and E mainly present as acute hepatitis during pregnancy, while hepatitis C and D are usually found as chronic infection in pregnant women. Hepatitis A remains self-limiting during pregnancy while hepatitis E has a higher prevalence and manifests with a rigorous course in pregnant women. Screening of hepatitis C during pregnancy and its subsequent management during pregnancy are still a debatable topic. New treatments of hepatitis C and E require further evaluation for use in pregnancy. This review summarizes the prevalence, clinical manifestations, maternal, foetal and neonatal effects, and the management of hepatitis A, C, D and E viral infection during pregnancy.

Intelligent system based on data mining techniques for prediction of preterm birth for women with cervical cerclage

Preterm birth, defined as a delivery before 37 weeks’ gestation, continues to affect 8–15% of all pregnancies and is associated with significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. Effective prediction of timing of delivery among women identified to be at significant risk for preterm birth would allow proper implementation of prophylactic therapeutic interventions. This paper aims first to develop a model that acts as a decision support system for pregnant women at high risk of delivering prematurely before having cervical cerclage. The model will predict whether the pregnancy will continue beyond 26 weeks’ gestation and the potential value of adding the cerclage in prolonging the pregnancy. The second aim is to develop a model that predicts the timing of spontaneous delivery in this high risk cohort after cerclage. The model will help treating physicians to define the chronology of management in relation to the risk of preterm birth, reducing the neonatal complications associated with it. Data from 274 pregnancies managed with cervical cerclage were included. 29 of the procedures involved multiple pregnancies. To build the first model, a data balancing technique called SMOTE was applied to overcome the problem of highly imbalanced class distribution in the dataset. After that, four classification models, namely Decision Tree, Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN), and Neural Network (NN) were used to build the prediction model. The results showed that Random Forest classifier gave the best results in terms of G-mean and sensitivity with values of 0.96 and 1.00, respectively. These results were achieved at an oversampling ratio of 200%. For the second prediction model, five classification models were used to predict the time of spontaneous delivery; linear regression, Gaussian process, Random Forest, K-star, and LWL classifier. The Random Forest classifier performed best, with 0.752 correlation value. In conclusion, computational models can be developed to predict the need for cerclage and the gestation of delivery after this procedure. These models have moderate/high sensitivity for clinical application.

High Burden of Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy at a National Referral Hospital in Western Kenya.

Background:Cardiac disease is a leading cause of non-obstetric maternal death worldwide, but little is known about its burden in sub-Saharan Africa.Objectives and Methods:We conducted a retrospective case-control study of pregnant women admitted to a national referral hospital in western Kenya between 2011–2016. Its purpose was to define the burden and spectrum of cardiac disease in pregnancy and assess the utility of the CARPREG I and modified WHO (mWHO) clinical risk prediction tools in this population.Results:Of the 97 cases of cardiac disease in pregnancy, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was the most common cause (75%), with over half complicated by severe mitral stenosis or pulmonary hypertension. Despite high rates of severe disease and nearly universal antenatal care, late diagnosis of cardiac disease was common, with one third (38%) of all cases newly diagnosed after 28 weeks gestational age and 17% diagnosed after delivery. Maternal mortality was 10-fold higher among cases than controls. Cases had significantly more cardiac (56% vs. 0.4%) and neonatal adverse events (61% vs. 27%) compared to controls (p < 0.001). Observed rates of adverse cardiac events were higher than predicted by both CARPREG I and mWHO risk scores, with high cardiac event rates despite low or intermediate risk scores.Conclusions:Cardiac disease is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality among pregnant women in western Kenya. Existing clinical tools used to predict risk underestimate adverse cardiac events in pregnancy and may be of limited utility given the unique spectrum and severity of disease in this population.