Risk Of Small For Gestational Age Research Articles

Performance of six birth-weight and estimated-fetal-weight standards for predicting adverse perinatal outcome: a 10-year nationwide population-based study.

To evaluate three birth-weight (BW) standards (Australian population-based, Fenton and INTERGROWTH-21st ) and three estimated-fetal-weight (EFW) standards (Hadlock, INTERGROWTH-21st and WHO) for classifying small-for-gestational age (SGA) and large-for-gestational age (LGA) and predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in preterm and term babies. This was a nationwide population-based study conducted on a total of 2.4 million singleton births that occurred from 24 + 0 to 40 + 6 weeks' gestation between 2004 and 2013 in Australia. The performance of the growth charts was evaluated according to SGA and LGA classification, and relative risk (RR) and diagnostic accuracy based on the areas under the receiver-operating-characteristics curves (AUCs) for stillbirth, neonatal death, perinatal death, composite morbidity and a composite of perinatal death and morbidity outcomes. The analysis was stratified according to gestational age at delivery (< 37 + 0 vs ≥ 37 + 0 weeks). Following exclusions, 2 392 782 singleton births were analyzed. There were significant differences in the SGA and LGA classification and risk of adverse outcomes between the six BW and EFW standards evaluated. For the term group, compared with the other standards, the INTERGROWTH-21st BW and EFW standards classified half the number of SGA (< 10th centile) babies (3-4% vs 7-11%) and twice the number of LGA (> 90th centile) babies (24-25% vs 8-15%), resulting in a smaller cohort of term SGA at higher risk of adverse outcome and a larger LGA cohort at lower risk of adverse outcome. For term SGA (< 3rd centile) babies, the RR of perinatal death using the two INTERGROWTH-21st standards was up to 1.5-fold higher than those of the other standards (including the WHO-EFW and Hadlock-EFW), while the INTERGROWTH-21st -EFW standard indicated a 12-26% reduced risk of perinatal death for LGA cases across centile thresholds. Conversely, for the preterm group, the WHO-EFW and Hadlock-EFW standards identified a higher SGA classification rate than did the other standards (18-19% vs 10-11%) and a 20-65% increased risk of perinatal death in term LGA babies. All BW and EFW charts had similarly poor performance in predicting adverse outcomes, including the composite outcome (AUC range, 0.49-0.62) for both preterm (AUC range, 0.58-0.62) and term (AUC range, 0.49-0.50) cases and across centiles. Furthermore, specific centile thresholds for identifying adverse outcomes varied markedly by chart between BW and EFW standards. This study addresses the recurrent problem of identifying fetuses at risk of morbidity and perinatal mortality associated with growth disorders and provides new insights into the applicability of international growth standards. Our findings of marked variation in classification and the similarly poor performance of prescriptive international standards and the other commonly used standards raise questions about whether the prescriptive international standards that were constructed for universal adoption are indeed applicable to a multiethnic population such as that of Australia. Thus, caution is needed when adopting universal standards for clinical and epidemiological use. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The Effect of Hyperemesis Gravidarum on Pregnancy Outcomes

Objective: We evaluated the clinical characteristics of the patients followed with the diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). We aimed to determine the effects of HG on pregnancy outcomes in these patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the department of obstetrics of our hospital between the years 2018–2020. The study group consisted of pregnant women who were diagnosed with HG before the 20th gestational week and were treated and delivered at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of HG. Both groups were compared in terms of placental dysfunction and newborn outcomes. The severity of the HG was assessed and classified. A sub-analysis of the HG group comparing mild and severe cases was performed. Results: The study included 213 patients diagnosed with HG and 218 healthy pregnant women without HG diagnosis. Preterm birth (p=0.034) and small for gestational age (SGA) (p=0.016) were significantly higher in the HG group compared to the control group. 78.8% of the pregnant women diagnosed with HG were mild and 21.1% were severe HG. When women in the severe HG group and mild HG group were compared, we found that severe HG is associated with a higher chance of SGA (p=0.042), preterm birth (p=0.001) and admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (p=0.031). Conclusions: Babies born from hyperemetic pregnant women are at a significant risk for SGA and preterm birth compared to babies born from healthy pregnant women. This risk increases especially in pregnant women with severe HG.

The association between maternal complications and small for gestational age in twin pregnancies using singleton and twin birth weight references

Introduction In singleton pregnancies, maternal complications, such as preeclampsia and thyroid dysfunction are associated with small for gestational age (SGA). However, data on the association between SGA and maternal complications in twin pregnancies are limited and conflicting. Small sample size and the application of singleton birth weight reference (SBWR) to define SGA in twins may be reasons for the inconsistent conclusions. Purpose of this study was to define SGA in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) and monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies using both SBWR and twin birth weight reference (TBWR) and to determine whether certain maternal complications are associated with SGA in twin pregnancies. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study included all twins delivered in a single tertiary center between 2013 and 2018. SGA was defined as a twin with birth weight <10th centile for gestational age using either SBWR or TBWR. The association between SGA and maternal complications was analyzed separately for DCDA and MCDA twin pregnancies, expressed as odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (95%-CI). Results A total of 2005 DCDA and 467 MCDA twin pregnancies were enrolled. In DCDA pregnancies, SGA was significantly associated with PE according to TBWR (22.73 vs. 14.56%, aOR 1.823, 95%-CI 1.137–2.922). This association was even more pronounced between SGA and severe PE (9.09 vs. 4.54%, aOR 2.234, 95%-CI 1.115–4.479). In turn, PE was associated with higher risk of SGA defined according to TBWR (8.31 vs. 4.99%, aOR 1.825, 95%-CI 1.139–2.925). No association was detected between SGA and other maternal complications. Using SBWR, no association was found between preeclampsia and SGA. In MCDA pregnancies, according to TBWR, SGA was associated only with severe PE (12.5 vs. 4.06%, aOR 3.470, 95%-CI 1.256–9.587) and lower risk of PROM (aOR 0.067, 95%-CI 0.014–0.322). Conclusion PE was associated with SGA in DCDA pregnancies only when TBWR was used, suggesting that DCDA pregnancies complicated with PE should be closely monitored for signs of SGA and vice versa. In MCDA pregnancies, SGA defined according to TBWR was associated with only severe PE (but not with all PE) and lower risk of PROM. More basic experiments are needed to investigate the mechanisms underlying PE and SGA in DCDA and MCDA twin pregnancies respectively.

Evaluation of the RCOG guideline for the prediction of neonates that are small for gestational age and comparison with the competing risks model.

To examine the predictive performance of the relevant guideline by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) for neonates that are small for gestational age (SGA), and to compare the performance of the RCOG guideline with that of our competing risks model for SGA. Prospective observational study. Obstetric ultrasound departments in two UK maternity hospitals. A total of 96 678 women with singleton pregnancies attending for routine ultrasound examination at 19-24 weeks of gestation. Risks for SGA for different thresholds were computed, according to the competing risks model using maternal history, second-trimester estimated fetal weight, uterine artery pulsatility index and mean arterial pressure. The detection rates by the RCOG guideline scoring system and the competing risks model for SGA were compared, at the screen positive rate (SPR) derived from the RCOG guideline. Small for gestational age (SGA), <10th or <3rd percentile, for different gestational age thresholds. At an SPR of 22.5%, as defined by the RCOG guideline, the competing risks model predicted 56, 72 and 81% of cases of neonates that are SGA, with birthweights of <10th percentile, delivered at ≥37, <37 and <32 weeks of gestation, respectively, which were significantly higher than the respective figures of 36, 44 and 45% achieved by the application of the RCOG guideline. The respective figures for neonates that were SGA with birthweights of <3rd percentile were 66, 79, 85 and 41, 45, 44%. The detection rate for neonates that were SGA with the competing risk approach is almost double than that obtained with the RCOG guideline. The competing risks approach for the prediction of SGA performs better than the existing RCOG guideline.

Large retrospective cohort study of the association between maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D status and birth weight of neonate

Background The effect of maternal vitamin D levels on the birth weight of the offspring remains controversial, as the results are inconsistent between different populations. This large retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the relationship between maternal vitamin D levels and birth weight of neonates in southern China. Methods Serum samples were collected from 10,586 Chinese women at 13–27 weeks of pregnancy, and the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level of the participants was assessed. Using the INTERGROWTH-21st standards, the offspring were classified into three groups based on their gestational age and birth weight, which were small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). The differences in vitamin D levels among the different groups were compared, and their correlation with newborn birth weight was analyzed. Results The average maternal vitamin D concentration was 61.1 nmol/L. The 25(OH)D concentrations were 50–75 nmol/L, 25–50 nmol/L and below 25 nmol/L in 45.5%, 29.5%, and 1.6% of the participants, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the vitamin D levels between the three groups. With the increase in 25(OH)D levels, the risk of SGA and LGA tended to increase and decrease, respectively. AGA was not affected by the 25(OH)D levels. The results of the curve fitting and threshold effect analyses did not support the correlation between vitamin D levels and SGA or LGA. Based on the univariate prediction model and the model adjusted for risk factors, the area under the curve was extremely small. Thus, 25(OH)D levels are not an effective predictor of SGA and LGA. Conclusions Low maternal vitamin D levels were not associated with SGA or LGA.

Ischemic Placental Disease, Preterm Delivery, and Their Association With Opioid Use During Pregnancy.

Opioids affect placental development and function in animal models, but human data on their association with ischemic placental disease are limited. Using a cohort of pregnant women in the US nationwide Medicaid Analytic eXtract (2000-2014), we compared women with ≥2 opioid dispensings in pregnancy with unexposed women. Given an uncertain etiologically relevant window, we assessed exposure occurring in early pregnancy, late and not early pregnancy, and both early and late pregnancy. For placental abruption, preterm delivery, small for gestational age (SGA), and preeclampsia, we estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for demographic factors, indications/comorbidities, and medications. Among 1,833,871 eligible pregnancies, ≥2 opioid dispensings were filled in 6.5%. We observed an early exposure aHR of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.26, 1.43) for placental abruption, 1.21 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.23) for preterm delivery, 1.13 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.17) for SGA, and 0.95 (0.91, 0.98) for preeclampsia. Estimates for late exposure were attenuated. Early and late exposure was associated with higher aHRs for placental abruption, 1.62 (95% CI: 1.47, 1.78); preterm delivery, 1.37 (95% CI: 1.33, 1.42); and SGA, 1.26 (95% CI: 1.19, 1.33); but not preeclampsia, 0.99 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.05). Prescription opioids may modestly increase risk of placental abruption, preterm birth and SGA, but they do not appear to be associated with preeclampsia.

A birth cohort study on the effect of chronotype during pregnancy on small for gestational age and the mediating effect of glucose-lipid metabolism

Objective: To explore the relationship between maternal sleep time and the risk of small for gestational age (SGA), and to evaluate the role of glucose-lipid metabolism in the association. Methods: A total of 6 821 women who was second pregnancy were recruited from pregnancies consulted at Hefei First People's Hospital, Anhui Province Maternity & Child Health Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March 2015 to April 2019, and a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect general demographic characteristics, dietary habits and routine lifestyles. Sleep information including bedtime, getup and sleep duration were reported by pregnant woman herself, and this survey as well as the third trimester of gestation. Pregnancy and birth outcomes were collected at delivery. A total of 5 488 mother-pairs with complete data were obtained in the final data. The non-linear relationship between chronotype and SGA risk was explored by restricted cubic spline regression model, and the role of glucose-lipid metabolism in the association between sleep midpoint and SGA was explored by using the mediating model based on bootstrap method. Results: The incidence of SGA was 8.4% (459/5 488) in eligible pregnant women. Compared with the pregnant women who went to bed before 21∶00, the risk of SGA of women who went to bed after 23∶00 am (OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.01-2.34) was significantly higher in the multivariate logistic regression model. Additionally, the risk of SGA in pregnant women who got up after 8∶00 am was significantly higher than those women who got up before 8 o'clock (OR=1.31, 95%CI:1.05-1.62). However, the significant association between sleep duration and SGA was not found. In the restricted cubic spline regression, the risk of SGA was significantly increased from the specific midpoint of 02∶45 am (P<0.05). Moreover, mediation model showed that the negative effect of late sleep in the second trimester on SGA may be partially explained through glucose-lipid metabolism(all P<0.05). Conclusion: Maternal sleep status at the second trimester of gestation may be more susceptible to SGA. Lately sleep midpoint may be a potential independent risk factor for increased risk of SGA, and furtherly affect the occurrence of SGA by changing the level of glucose and lipid metabolism.

Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle Habits during Pregnancy: Is There an Association with Small for Gestational Age Infants? An Italian Single Centre Experience

Background. The small-for-gestational-age (SGA) in infants is related to an increased risk of developing Non-Communicable Diseases later in life. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is related to lower odds of being SGA. The study explored retrospectively the association between SGA, maternal MD adherence, lifestyle habits and other SGA risk factors during pregnancy. Methods. One hundred women (16–44 years) with a pregnancy at term were enrolled. Demographic data, parity, pre-gestational BMI, gestational weight gain, pregnancy-related diseases, and type of delivery were collected. The MD adherence (MEDI-LITE score ≥ 9), physical activity level, and smoking/alcohol consumption were registered. SGA neonates were diagnosed according to the neonatal growth curves. Results. Women were divided into “SGA group” vs. “non-SGA group”. The MD was adopted by 71% of women and its adherence was higher in the “non-SGA group” (p = 0.02). The prevalence of pregnancy-related diseases (gestational diabetes/pregnancy-induced hypertension) was higher in the “SGA group” (p = 0.01). The logistic regression showed that pregnancy-related diseases were the only independent risk factor for SGA. Conclusions. MD may indirectly reduce the risk of SGA since it prevents and exerts a positive effect on pregnancy-related diseases (e.g., gestational diabetes and hypertension). The small sample size of women in the SGA group of the study imposes a major limitation to the results and conclusions of this research, suggesting however that it is worthy of further investigation.

Maternal Dietary Quality During Pregnancy and Its Association With Low Birth Weight and Small for Gestational Age: A Birth Cohort in China

ObjectivesMaternal nutrition during pregnancy plays a vital role in fetal growth and development. Dietary index eliminates the need for complex nutrient calculations and assess dietary quality as a whole. The present study was conducted to evaluate maternal dietary quality using specific dietary index for Chinese pregnant women, and to explore the association between maternal diet and the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA). MethodsA birth cohort was conducted in Beijing, China (n = 3871) between June 2018 and February 2019. Maternal diet in the 1st and 2nd trimesters was assessed by inconsecutive 2-day 24-hour dietary recalls. The Chinese Diet Balance Index for Pregnancy (DBI-P) was used to assess participants’ dietary quality. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to explore the independent effects of DBI components on LBW and SGA. ResultsThe prevalence of LBW and SGA was 3.8% and 6.0%, respectively in the present study. There existed an unbalanced diet, especially high insufficient intake of vegetables (87.3% and 86.6%), dairy (95.9% and 96.6%), and aquatic foods (80.5% and 85.4%) in both the 1st and 2nd trimesters. Adequate fruits consumption was higher in the 1st trimester (76.7%) than that in the 2nd trimester (15.5%). The intake of cereals was negatively associated with the risk of LBW (OR = 0.944, 95% CI: 0.893–0.997), and the intake of dairy and dairy products was negatively associated with the risk of SGA (OR = 0.874, 95% CI: 0.773–0.987) in the 2nd trimester, after adjusting for potential confounders. ConclusionsDiet quality of Chinese pregnant women in Beijing was unbalanced, in particular high insufficiency in dairy products and vegetables. Pregnant women should pay attention to the adequate intakes of cereals and dairy products in mid-pregnancy, in order to prevent the occurrence of LBW and SGA. Funding SourcesThis study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Peking University Research Initiation Fund.

Diet Quality Is Associated with a High Newborn Size and Reduction in the Risk of Low Birth Weight and Small for Gestational Age in a Group of Mexican Pregnant Women: An Observational Study.

A high-quality diet during pregnancy may have positive effects on fetal growth and nutritional status at birth, and it may modify the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between diet quality and newborn nutritional status in a group of pregnant Mexican women. As part of the ongoing Mexican prospective cohort study, OBESO, we studied 226 healthy pregnant women. We adapted the Alternated Healthy Eating Index-2010 for pregnancy (AHEI-10P). The association between maternal diet and newborn nutritional status was investigated by multiple linear regression and logistic regression models. We applied three 24-h recalls during the second half of gestation. As the AHEI-10P score improved by 5 units, the birth weight and length increased (β = 74.8 ± 35.0 g and β = 0.3 ± 0.4 cm, respectively, p < 0.05). Similarly, the risk of low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) decreased (OR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.27–0.82 and OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.36–0.85, respectively). In women without preeclampsia and/or GDM, the risk of stunting decreased as the diet quality score increased (+5 units) (OR: 0.62, 95%IC: 0.40–0.96). A high-quality diet during pregnancy was associated with a higher newborn size and a reduced risk of LBW and SGA in this group of pregnant Mexican women.

Abstract P169: Association Between Years Of Residency In The Usa Of Hispanic Immigrant Women And Small For Gestational Age

Maternal and fetal factors have been associated with small for gestational age (SGA) and cardiometabolic disease in adulthood. Acculturation in US Latino population has been correlated with negative effects on health, including during perinatal period. We hypothesized that acculturated Hispanic pregnant women have higher risk of SGA. Methods: Retrospective study from PeriBank participants born in Latin America. Length of stay (LOS) as proxy for acculturation. SGA defined as birth weight for gestational age &lt;10 th . Results: We included 13,613 women with 15,376 deliveries. Women with LOS &gt;6y showed higher gestational diabetes rates. (Table1) After adjustment, risk of SGA was lower for LOS 4-6y vs. 0-3y; risk was also lower for LOS &gt;6y vs. 0-3y. (Table2) Women with LOS 4-6y had a 1.12kg/m 2 [95% CI 0.84 - 1.39; p-value &lt;0.001] and &gt;6y 3.06kg/m 2 [95% CI 2.78 - 3.32; p&lt;0.001] higher BMI compared to LOS of 0-3 after adjustment. Conclusions: Highly acculturated Hispanic women born outside the US, do not have higher risk for having SGA offspring. Likely masked by higher pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational diabetes, alternative pathways for adverse perinatal outcomes.

Infertility treatment and the risk of small for gestational age births: a population-based study in the United States

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between infertility treatments and small for gestational age (SGA) births.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingUnited States, 2015–2019.Patient(s)Women (n = 16,836,228) who delivered nonmalformed, singleton live births (24–44 weeks’ gestation).Intervention(s)Any infertility treatment, including assisted reproductive technology (ART) and prescribed fertility-enhancing medications.Main Outcome Measure(s)Small for gestational age birth, defined as sex-specific birth weight <10% for gestational age. Associations between SGA and infertility treatment were derived from Poisson regression with robust variance. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived after adjusting for confounders. In a sensitivity analysis, we corrected for nondifferential exposure misclassification and unmeasured confounding biases.Result(s)Subsequently, 1.4% (n = 231,177) of pregnancies resulted from infertility treatments (0.8% ART and 0.6% fertility-enhancing medications). Of these, SGA births occurred in 9.4% (n = 21,771) and 11.9% (n = 1,755,925) of pregnancies conceived with infertility treatment and naturally conceived pregnancies, respectively (adjusted RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.06, 1.08). However, after correction for misclassification bias and unmeasured confounding, infertility treatment was associated with a 27% reduced risk of SGA (bias-corrected RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53, 0.85). Similar trends were seen for analyses stratified by exposure to ART and fertility-enhancing medications, as well as for SGA <5th and <3rd percentiles.Conclusion(s)Exposure to infertility treatment is associated with a reduced risk of SGA births. These findings, which are contrary to some published reports, may reflect changes in the modern practice of infertility care, maternal lifestyle, and compliance with prenatal care within the infertile population. Until these findings are corroborated, the associations must be cautiously interpreted.

Evaluation of Topical Corticosteroid Use in Pregnancy and Risk of Newborns Being Small for Gestational Age and Having Low Birth Weight

Topical corticosteroids are frequently used during pregnancy. Limited data have raised concerns about an increased risk of the newborn being small for gestational age (SGA) and having low birth weight, in particular with use of potent to very potent agents during pregnancy. To evaluate whether topical corticosteroid use in pregnancy is associated with increased risks of SGA and low birth weight. From a source cohort of 1.1 million pregnancies with individual-level informed data from various registries, this nationwide cohort study identified topical corticosteroid-exposed pregnancies in Denmark from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2016, for a total of 60 497, that were matched with 241 986 unexposed pregnancies on the basis of propensity scores, including a wide set of baseline characteristics. Data analysis was performed from September 8, 2020, to February 23, 2021. Filled prescriptions for topical corticosteroids during pregnancy. Primary outcomes were SGA and low birth weight. Association between outcomes and exposure was assessed by relative risk ratios (RRs) and absolute risk differences (ARDs). Among the 60 497 matched pregnancies exposed to topical corticosteroids, 5678 (9.4%) of the delivered infants were born SGA compared with 22 634 infants (9.4%) among the matched unexposed pregnancies (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.03 and ARD, 0.3; 95% CI, -2.3 to 2.9 per 1000 pregnancies). Low birth weight occurred in 2006 (3.3%) of the exposed pregnancies compared with 8675 (3.6%) of the unexposed pregnancies (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97 and ARD, -2.7; 95% CI, -4.3 to -1.1 per 1000 pregnancies). Exposure to potent to very potent topical corticosteroids at any amount was not associated with an increased risk of SGA (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.99-1.07) or low birth weight (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-1.00). Post hoc analyses did not find a significant increased risk among those receiving large amounts of potent to very potent topical corticosteroids (ie, >200 g throughout pregnancy) compared with unexposed pregnancies (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.95-1.46 for SGA and RR 1.14; 95% CI, 0.81-1.60 for low birth weight). This large cohort study found no association between topical corticosteroid use in pregnancy and an increased risk of SGA or low birth weight. These results suggest that a moderate to large increase in the risk is unlikely, even when large amounts of potent to very potent topical corticosteroids are used in pregnancy.

Obstetric Outcomes in Singleton Pregnancies with Abnormal Placental Cord Insertions.

There is wide variation in the management of pregnancies complicated by abnormal placental cord insertion (PCI), which includes velamentous cord insertion (VCI) and marginal cord insertion (MCI). We tested the hypothesis that abnormal PCI is associated with small for gestational age (SGA) infants. This is a retrospective cohort study of all pregnant patients undergoing anatomic ultrasound at a single institution from 2010 to 2017. Patients with abnormal PCI were matched in a 1:2 ratio by race, parity, gestational age at the time of ultrasound, and obesity to patients with normal PCIs. The primary outcome was SGA at delivery. Secondary outcomes were cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status, 5-minute Apgar score < 7, umbilical artery pH < 7.1, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. These outcomes were compared using univariate and bivariate analyses. Abnormal PCI was associated with an increased risk of SGA (relative risk [RR]: 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-4.69), increased risk of preterm delivery <37 weeks (RR: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.74-7.46), and <34 weeks (RR: 3.50; 95% CI: 1.05-11.63) compared with patients with normal PCI. There was no difference in rates of cesarean delivery, Apgar score of <7 at 5 minutes, acidemia, or neonatal intensive care unit admission between normal and abnormal PCI groups. In a stratified analysis, the association between abnormal PCI and SGA did not differ by the type of abnormal PCI (p for interaction = 0.46). Abnormal PCI is associated with an increased risk of SGA and preterm delivery. These results suggest that serial fetal growth assessments in this population may be warranted. · Abnormal PCI is associated with SGA infants and preterm birth.. · If an abnormal PCI is identified, the provider should consider serial growth ultrasounds.. · There is no difference in obstetric outcomes between VCI and MCI..

Perinatal outcomes of neonates born from different endometrial preparation protocols after frozen embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPrevious studies have focused on pregnancy outcomes after frozen embryo transfer (FET) performed using different endometrial preparation protocols. Few studies have evaluated the effect of endometrial preparation on pregnancy-related complications. This study was designed to explore the association between different endometrial preparation protocols and adverse obstetric and perinatal complications after FET.MethodsWe retrospectively included all FET cycles (n = 12,950) in our hospital between 2010 and 2017, and categorized them into three groups, natural cycles (NC), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and ovarian stimulation (OS) protocols. Pregnancy-related complications and subsequent neonatal outcomes were compared among groups.ResultsAmong all 12,950 FET cycles, the live birth rate was slightly lower for HRT cycles than for NC (HRT vs. NC: 28.15% vs. 31.16%, p < 0.001). The pregnancy loss rate was significantly higher in OS or HRT cycles than in NC (HRT vs. NC: 17.14% vs. 10.89%, p < 0.001; OS vs. NC: 16.44% vs. 10.89%, p = 0.001). Among 3864 women with live birth, preparing the endometrium using OS or HRT protocols increased the risk of preeclampsia, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in both singleton and multiple deliveries. Additionally, OS and HRT protocols increased the risk of low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) in both singletons and multiples after FET.ConclusionCompared with HRT or OS protocols, preparing the endometrium with NC was associated with the decreased risk of pregnancy-related complications, as well as the decreased risk of LBW and SGA after FET.

Effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index on neonatal outcomes in women undergoing autologous frozen-thawed embryo transfer

To investigate the associations between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and neonatal outcomes in women undergoing autologous frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). Retrospective cohort study. University-affiliated reproductive medical center. A total of 16,240 women with singleton deliveries achieved by autologous FET. None. Neonatal outcomes included preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small-for-gestational age (SGA), large-for-gestational age (LGA), fetal macrosomia, and birth defects. After adjusting for confounding factors, our study showed that in autologous FET cycles, the overweight women (23 kg/m2≤ BMI <27.5 kg/m2) were associated with increased rates of PTB (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.226; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.060-1.418), macrosomia (aOR, 1.692; 95% CI, 1.491-1.921), and LGA (aOR, 1.980; 95% CI, 1.715-2.286); and the obese women (BMI ≥27.5 kg/m2) were significantly associated with increased PTB (aOR, 1.503; 95% CI, 1.167-1.936), early PTB (aOR, 2.829; 95% CI, 1.679-4.765), very LBW (aOR, 3.087; 95% CI, 1.720-5.542), macrosomia (aOR, 2.325; 95% CI, 1.862-2.904), and LGA (aOR, 3.235; 95% CI, 2.561-4.085). The rate of SGA infants was higher in the underweight women (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) (aOR, 1.687; 95% CI, 1.375-2.071) than that in the normal-weight women (18.5 kg/m2≤ BMI ≤23 kg/m2). No significant difference was observed in the risk of birth defects between normal-weight cases and other BMI categories. Among women undergoing FET, pre-pregnancy BMI affected neonatal outcomes of singletons. BMI in Asian categories for overweight and obese showed significant increases in PTB, macrosomia, and LGA; early PTB and very LBW only increased in obese cases. In addition, underweight status was associated with increased risk of SGA. In contrast, there was no association between pre-pregnancy BMI and birth defects in FET cycles.

Impact of Chronic Hypertension and Antihypertensive Treatment on Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundMaternal chronic hypertension is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies examined the association between either chronic hypertension or antihypertensive treatment and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effect of chronic hypertension/antihypertensive treatment on adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods and ResultsMedline/PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched; we included observational studies and assessed the effect of race/ethnicity, where possible, following a registered protocol (CRD42019120088). Random‐effects meta‐analyses were used. A total of 81 studies were identified on chronic hypertension, and a total of 16 studies were identified on antihypertensive treatment. Chronic hypertension was associated with higher odds of preeclampsia (adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 5.43; 95% CI, 3.85–7.65); cesarean section (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.6–2.16); maternal mortality (aOR, 4.80; 95% CI, 3.04–7.58); preterm birth (aOR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.96–2.53); stillbirth (aOR, 2.32; 95% CI, 2.22–2.42); and small for gestational age (SGA) (aOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.6–2.40). Subgroup analyses indicated that maternal race/ethnicity does not influence the observed associations. Women with chronic hypertension on antihypertensive treatment (versus untreated) had higher odds of SGA (aOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.38–2.50).ConclusionsChronic hypertension is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and these associations appear to be independent of maternal race/ethnicity. In women with chronic hypertension, those on treatment had a higher risk of SGA, although the number of studies was limited. This could result from a direct effect of the treatment or because severe hypertension during pregnancy is a risk factor for SGA and women with severe hypertension are more likely to be treated. The effect of antihypertensive treatment on SGA needs to be further tested with large randomized controlled trials.

Iron status in late pregnancy is inversely associated with birth weight in Colombia.

Gestational anaemia (GA) is common in developing countries. This study assessed the relationship of late GA and negative perinatal outcomes in participants recruited in a reference maternity unit of the Caribbean region of Colombia. Prospective analytical birth cohort study. Maternal Hb and serum ferritin (SF) levels were measured. GA was defined as Hb levels <6·82 mmol/l (<11 g/dl), SF depletion as SF levels <12 µg/l. Birth outcomes such as low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PB) and small for gestational age (SGA) were examined. Mothers in the first stage of labour, living in urban or rural areas of Bolívar, were enrolled in an obstetrical centre located in Cartagena, Colombia. Blood and stool samples were taken prior delivery. Maternal blood count, SF levels and infant anthropometric data were recorded for analysis. 1218 pregnant women aged 18-42 years and their newborns. Prevalence of GA and SF depletion was 41·6 % and 41·1 %, respectively. GA was positively associated with poverty-related sociodemographic conditions. Prenatal care attendance lowered the risk of PB, LBW and SGA. Birth weight was inversely associated with Hb levels, observing a -36·8 g decrease in newborn weight per 0·62 mmol/l (or 1 g/dl) of maternal Hb. SF depletion, but not anaemia, was associated with PB. SGA outcome showed a significant association with anaemia, but not a significant relationship with SF depletion. Birth weight and other-related perinatal outcomes are negatively associated with Hb and SF depletion. Prenatal care attendance reduced the risk of negative birth outcomes.

Prevalence and association with birth outcomes of low vitamin D levels among pregnant women living with HIV.

To evaluate the prevalence of low vitamin D levels among well treated pregnant women living with HIV (WLWH) on combination antiretroviral therapy in Denmark, to identify risk factors of low vitamin D levels, and to assess the association between vitamin D status and birth outcomes. Nationwide cohort study. All WLWH in Denmark giving birth from 2000 to 2018 with a vitamin D measurement during pregnancy were identified. Risk factors for low vitamin D (deficiency or insufficiency) were assessed using log-binomial regression models, both univariate and adjusted for maternal and HIV factors. The association between vitamin D status and birth outcomes was assessed using linear regression models for continuous outcomes and log-binomial models for binary outcomes. Among 208 WLWH, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 13%, insufficiency 34%, and sufficiency 53%. Being of African origin (RR 2.68, P = 0.01), Asian origin (RR 3.38, P = < 0.01), or having HIV RNA levels more than 50 copies/ml (RR 1.43, P = 0.04) was associated with an increased risk of low vitamin D level. WLWH with vitamin D deficiency had an increased risk of preterm birth (RR 2.66, P = 0.03) and giving birth to small for gestational age (SGA) children (RR 6.83, P = 0.02) compared with WLWH with sufficient vitamin D level. Low vitamin D level was prevalent among well treated pregnant WLWH in Denmark, especially among women of African or Asian origin, and women with detectable viral loads. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and SGA.

Parity and the risks of adverse birth outcomes: a retrospective study among Chinese

BackgroundNulliparity is considered to be a risk factor of preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA). With the new two-child policy launched in 2016, more Chinese women have delivered their 2nd baby. Yet few studies have assessed the impact of parity on adverse birth outcomes in China. This study aimed to examine the association between parity and risks of PTB, LBW and SGA in a Chinese population. The combined effects of maternal age and parity on adverse birth outcomes were also assessed.MethodsThis retrospective study included all non-malformed live births born during January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018 in Chengdu, China. A total of 746,410 eligible live singletons with complete information were included in the analysis. Parity was classified into nulliparity (i.e. has never delivered a newborn before) and multiparity (i.e. has delivered at least one newborn before). Log-binomial regression analyses were applied to evaluate the association between parity and PTB, LBW and SGA. We further divided maternal age into different groups (< 25 years, 25–29 years, 30–34 years and ≥ 35 years) to assess the combined effects of maternal age and parity on adverse birth outcomes.ResultsMultiparity was associated with reduced risks of PTB (aRR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89–0.93), LBW (aRR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.72–0.77) and SGA (aRR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.66–0.69) compared with nulliparity. In each age group, we observed that multiparity was associated with lower risks of adverse birth outcomes. Compared to nulliparous women aged between 25 and 29 years, women aged ≥35 years had greater risks of PTB and LBW, regardless of their parity status. In contrast, multiparous women aged ≥35 years (aRR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.70–0.77) and those aged < 25 years (aRR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.84–0.93) were at lower risk of SGA compared with nulliparous women aged between 25 and 29 years.ConclusionMultiparity was associated with lower risks of all adverse birth outcomes. Special attention should be paid to nulliparous mothers and those with advanced age during antenatal care, in order to reduce the risks of adverse birth outcomes.