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Background: Placental elasticity varies in different diseases. Our objective was to evaluate placental elasticity using point shear wave elastography (pSWE) in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods: A total of 66 pregnant women with IUGR and 81 healthy pregnant women were enrolled. Placental elasticity was measured using the transabdominal pSWE method. Ten measurements were made, and the mean was accepted as the mean placental elasticity value in each case. The results for IUGR pregnancies and controls were compared. Results: The mean pSWE values were significantly higher in pregnancies with IUGR, which means that women with IUGR have stiffer placentas (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the pSWE values were significantly and positively correlated with Doppler indices and adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusion: The pregnancies with IUGR had stiffer placentas than the healthy controls. The utilization of pSWE for placental elasticity may be useful in the diagnosis and management of IUGR as a supplement to the existing ultrasonography methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complications of preterm birth (PTB) are the global leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years of age. Almost 15 million children are born prematurely in the world each year. Increasing evidence suggests that labor and delivery have many hallmarks of an inflammatory reaction, where complement activation has an active participation. As one of the most important components of inflammation, the role of complement during labor and PTB is becoming an attractive research target. The complement components C1q and C5b-9 are deposited on fetal membranes and release inflammatory mediators that contribute to uterine contractions, cervical ripening, cell chemotaxis, metalloproteinases production, membrane awaking and rupture, and it participates as a co-adjuvant in the onset and progress of labor. This article reviews a basic description of the complement system, its role in preterm birth and current concepts regarding its contribution in novel therapy strategies and new biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease affecting the body's moisture-producing glands. Some studies have linked SS to adverse maternal/neonatal outcomes, but sample sizes have tended to be small, with few outcomes examined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of SS on pregnancy outcomes for mother and neonate using a large dataset. Methods: We carried out a retrospective cohort study of women who delivered between 1999 and 2014 using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the United States. SS categorization is based on ICD-9 coding. Baseline characteristics were compared in both groups and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancies in women with and without SS. Results: The prevalence of SS in our population was 1.34 cases/10,000 births, with the rate increasing over the study period. Women with SS tended to be older, Caucasian and to have pre-existing comorbidities. Births to women with SS were at greater risk of pre-eclampsia [odds ratio (OR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34–1.99]; premature rupture of membranes (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.04–1.57); preterm delivery (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.34–1.81); cesarean delivery (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.17–1.41); and venous thromboembolic events (OR 3.71, 95% CI 2.57–5.35). Infants of women with SS were more likely to have intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (OR 3.00, 95% CI 2.46–3.65); and congenital malformations (OR 3.26, 95% CI 2.30–4.62). Conclusion: SS is a high-risk pregnancy condition associated with significant comorbidities and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Women with SS may benefit from increased surveillance during their pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between bacteriuria and adverse pregnancy outcomes has been extensively described. The current practice of screening all pregnant women for bacteriuria is challenged by recent studies. We aimed to evaluate pregnancy outcomes among women with a positive urine culture, to assess the significance of positive urinary nitrites in this setting. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study at the emergency department (ED) of the Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Israel, during 2014–2018. This included all gravida women >18 years old within the 20th week of pregnancy or above, admitted to the ED with diverse complains, who had urinalysis collected and subsequently had a positive urine culture. Clinical and obstetric characteristics were stratified by positive vs. negative nitrites in urinalysis. The primary outcome was premature delivery, and the secondary outcomes were a composite outcome of all recorded pregnancy complications and the significance of urinalysis in predicting urinary tract infection (UTI). Results: Overall, 874 pregnant women with a positive urine culture were included. Of them, 721 (79%) patients had a negative nitrite in their urine exam (NNU-group) and 153 (21%) had a positive nitrite in their urine exam (PNU-group). Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen, with significantly higher rates of growth in the PNU-group vs. NNU-group [129 (84.3%) vs. 227 (38.4%), P < 0.001]. Premature delivery was recorded with no association of symptomaticity or nitrite status. Among symptomatic women with classic symptoms of UTI, PNU was significantly associated with decreased risk for major peripartum complications [odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.22 (0.05–0.94)]. Conclusion: Our findings support that PNU among symptomatic pregnant women with UTI-related symptoms was associated with lower risk of developing major adverse obstetrical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peripartal hysterectomy (PH) is a challenging surgical procedure with elevated maternal morbidity. Methods: From 2004 to 2016, 41 emergency PHs were performed at the tertiary care center of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at University Hospital Ulm. In our retrospective analysis, the incidence of PH in our hospital was 12.8 per 10,000 deliveries with a maternal mortality of 2.4%. PH followed in 80.5% after cesarean section (c-section). Underlying causes/indications for PH were abnormal placentation (53.7%; n=22), uterine atony (26.8%; n=11), uterine lacerations (14.6%; n=6) and in rare cases uterine infection (4.9%; n=2). The median number of transfused products was 11 packed red blood cells (range 0–55 products), 10 fresh frozen plasma units (range 1–43) and two platelet concentrates (0–16). Results: Loss of blood as estimated by surgeons was significantly correlated with actual transfused blood volume (P<0.001). Clinically relevant intra- and/or postoperative complications occurred in 53.7% of patients (n=22). Abnormal placentation was the leading cause for PH with an increased incidence during the last 10 years presumptively representing the elevated rate of c-sections. Conclusion: PH goes along with increased rates of blood product transfusions independently of indication for surgery and has a high morbidity with a major complication rate of more than 50%. Prepartal assessment of risk factors like abnormal invasive placenta are crucial for reducing maternal morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the variability in the prevalences of selected birth risks in women of different heights and weights. Methods: Data from the German Perinatal Survey of 1998–2000 were analyzed: 503,468 cases contributed to our analysis of the prevalences of selected birth risks specified according to maternal weight groups, 502,562 cases contributed to our analysis according to maternal height groups and 43,928 cases contributed to our analysis of birth risks in women with a body mass index (BMI) of 21–23 kg/m2 but different heights and weights. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Results: Some birth risks varied substantially by maternal height in women with a "normal" BMI of 21–23 kg/m2: the prevalence of post-term birth increased from 8.7% in women with a height of 150 cm to 13.5% in 185 cm tall women, the prevalence of preterm birth decreased from 5.9% (150 cm tall women) to 3.1% (185 cm tall women), a pathologic cardiotocography (CTG) or poor fetal heart sounds on auscultation occurred in 19.4% of the 150 cm tall women but only in 9.2% of 185 cm tall women and cephalopelvic disproportion decreased from 12.3% (150 cm tall women) to 1.2% (185 cm tall women). Analyses of women in different body height and weight groups (without restriction of BMI) likewise showed differences in the prevalences of some birth risks. Conclusion: Birth risks may vary by height and weight in women with the same, "normal" BMI. BMI should not be the only way by which the impact of maternal height and weight is assessed with regard to perinatal outcomes such as birth risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pregnancies in women affected by a muscular dystrophy are at an increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes due to the effect of the disease on the muscular, cardiac and respiratory systems. We sought to evaluate the risk of adverse outcomes within a large population-based cohort study. Methods: We used the data extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to conduct a retrospective population-based cohort study consisting of over 12 million births that occurred in the United States between 1999 and 2013. Births to mothers with muscular dystrophy were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes and were compared with births to mothers with no maternal muscular dystrophy. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the adjusted effect of muscular dystrophy on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: During the 14-year study period, there was an increasing trend in the incidence of muscular dystrophy, with a cumulative incidence of 7.26 in 100,000 births. Women with muscular dystrophy and their neonates were at a significantly increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: specifically, an increased risk of preeclampsia, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, venous thromboembolism, cardiac dysrhythmia, requiring a blood transfusion and giving birth by cesarean section. Neonates born to affected mothers were at a significantly higher risk of being born preterm, with a congenital malformation and suffering intrauterine growth restriction. Conclusion: The risk of several adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes is increased in pregnant women with muscular dystrophy. As such, additional surveillance in order to mitigate the risk of adverse outcomes is warranted in these pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fetal intra-abdominal cysts have an incidence of 1/500–1/1000 live births. Cysts can be physiologic or pathologic and can either spontaneously regress or require intervention and treatment. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection in the USA with an incidence of 0.2–2%. The risk of transmission is greatest with a primary maternal infection and the severity of fetal injury increases when transmission occurs in the first half of the pregnancy. An infectious etiology for a fetal intra-abdominal cyst has not been reported to the best of our knowledge. Case presentation: A 31-year-old multigravida presented at 19 weeks' gestation for an anatomical survey. The female fetus was noted to have a 2.4 × 2.0 × 3.1 cm echolucent cyst in the right side of the abdomen. Three weeks later, the cyst was not seen; however, there was free fluid and a few echogenic areas within the fetal abdomen. Maternal serum tested positive for CMV IgM and IgG titers, and the CMV IgG avidity test was 0.75, consistent with high avidity. At 27 weeks' gestation, ascites remained and a pericardial effusion was noted. Amniocentesis resulted in >2,000,000 copies of CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the amniotic fluid. The patient underwent termination of the pregnancy at 29 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: It would be important to consider an infectious etiology in the differential diagnosis of fetal intra-abdominal cysts as the outcome in the fetus with congenital CMV infection could be much different. Amniocentesis is considered the best option for the diagnosis of fetal congenital CMV infection if performed after 21 weeks' gestation and more than 6 weeks from maternal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate maternal complications of first trimester and second trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP) performed after first or second trimester positive prenatal diagnosis (PD). Results: We performed a retrospective study from January 2007 to December 2011, on 844 patients, who underwent a TOP after positive amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for foetal aneuploidies, performed for maternal age ≥35 years of age, positive prenatal screening (PS) or for genetic reasons. Exclusions criteria were gestational age >22+0 weeks, twin pregnancy and co-existing maternal pathologies. We compared maternal complications of first trimester and second trimester TOP and we established which risk factors were correlated to higher maternal complications (haemorrhages, transfusion, repeated uterine curettage and infections). Maternal complications were significantly higher in second trimester TOP. Previous uterine surgery is a significant risk factor for maternal complications in second trimester TOP, but not in first trimester TOP. Six uterine ruptures and three hysterectomies occurred, all in multiparous women with second trimester TOP. All uterine ruptures occurred in women with previous caesarean sections. Conclusions: First trimester TOP in women with risks factors for maternal complications guarantees better maternal outcomes and less health costs. Thus, in these women we should prefer a first trimester PS and PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Early-onset oligohydramnios is typically secondary to renal-urinary anomalies (RUA) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). We compared neonatal pulmonary outcomes between these etiologies. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with oligohydramnios identified before 24 completed weeks of gestation attributed to either PPROM or RUA. Patients were excluded if other fetal anomalies were noted. Respiratory morbidity was assessed by the need for oxygen at 36 corrected weeks or at hospital discharge. Results: Of 116 eligible patients, 54 chose elective pregnancy termination. A total of 39.5% of PPROM (n=17/43) and 36.8% of RUA (n=7/19) pregnancies experienced pre-viable loss (P=1.00). Significantly fewer PPROM live births resulted in neonatal mortality (26.9% vs. 75.0%, P<0.01). There was no difference in respiratory morbidity (57.9% vs. 66.6%, P=1.00). The collective incidence of respiratory mortality and morbidity was not different between etiologies (P=0.06). Conclusion: This analysis suggests that the prognoses for oligohydramnios due to pre-viable PPROM vs. renal anomalies are similarly grave, though RUA infants experienced a higher rate of neonatal respiratory mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conditions of iron deficiency are highly incident in pregnancy with elevated risks for preterm birth and low birth weight. In our recent study, we found 6% of participants having anemia, whereas between 39% and 47% showed iron deficiency without anemia. In many countries in prenatal care solely hemoglobin (Hb) measurement is applied. For the gynecologists till date there is no indication to determine other markers (e.g., serum-ferritin). As iron deficiency results from an imbalance between intake and loss of iron, our aim was to find out if the risk of iron deficiency conditions can be estimated by a diet history protocol as well as questionnaires to find about iron loss. We found that the risk of having iron deficiency in upper gestational week (>=21) increased by a factor of five. Thus, additional diagnostics should be done in this group by now. Using the questionnaire as a screening instrument, we further estimated the probability of disease in terms of a positive likelihood ratio (LR+). The positive LR for the group below 21th week of gestation is 1.9 thus, increasing the post-test probability to 52% from 36% as before. Further research based on higher sample sizes will show if the ratios can be increased further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine how complex and irregular fetal heart rate (FHR) dynamics differ between fetuses of normal pregnancies and those of pregnancies complicated by maternal anemia (MA), and to place this in the context of high-risk pregnancies. Methods: Our study population consisted of 97 pregnant women affected by MA, 118 affected by pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), 88 affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), 53 with preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM), and 356 normal pregnancies as controls. We calculated approximate entropy (ApEn), sample entropy (SampEn), and correlation dimension (CD) to quantify irregularity and the chaotic dynamics of each FHR time series. Results: The ApEn in the fetuses of the MA and PIH groups was significantly lower than that of the normal controls (P<0.05). The SampEn was significantly lower in the high-risk groups, except for the pPROM group, than in the normal controls (P<0.05). The CD in the PIH and severe MA groups was significantly lower than that of the normal controls (P<0.05, respectively). In the MA group, the dynamic indices showed a highly significant positive correlation with hemoglobin (Hb) levels (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The decreased complexity and/or irregularity in the FHR from pregnancies with MA may reflect abnormalities in the complex, integrated cardiovascular control. The irregularity and complexity of the FHR increased together with Hb levels in pregnancies with MA. Our data suggest that the integrity of the nervous system in the fetuses compromised by severe MA might result directly in adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Our aim was to investigate whether any hematological changes readily detectable by simple complete blood count (CBC), as well as fasting and postprandial total serum bile acid (SBA) levels, have diagnostic values for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methods: A prospective, case control study was carried out including 217 pregnant women (117 women with ICP and 100 healthy controls). The main outcome measures investigated were preterm delivery, APGAR scores, and neonatal unit admission. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the independent risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results: Compared with controls, women with ICP had significantly higher mean platelet volume (MPV) (mean 10.2±1.0 vs. 11.0±1.3; P<0.001) and platelet distribution width (PDW) (mean 13.1±2.3 vs. 14.7±2.8; P<0.001) values. Analysis with logistic regression revealed that the probability of preterm delivery did not increase until MPV levels exceeded 11.2 fL [odds ratio (OR)=2.68, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.13-6.32, P=0.025], and total bilirubin levels exceeded 0.6 mg/dL (OR=3.13, 95% CI=1.21-8.09, P=0.019). Considering the low APGAR scores, only increased postprandial total SBA levels of ≥51 μmol/L were found to be predictive significantly (OR=3.02, 95% CI=1.07-8.53, P=0.037). Conclusions: Our study suggests that increased MPV and total bilirubin levels are associated with preterm delivery, and increased postprandial total SBA levels are predictive for low APGAR in ICP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe specific recommendations of activity restriction, place of care, expected beneficial and adverse effects, and recommended antithrombotic prophylaxis in nine clinical scenarios. Methods: A national survey. All members of the Danish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Danish Association of Midwives were asked to complete a tested, structured questionnaire. Results: We sent 1815 invitations; the overall response rate was 54%. A majority of clinicians recommended some form of activity restriction in the nine scenarios. The midwives recommended strict or moderate activity restriction more often than obstetricians in five of the nine scenarios, in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, cervical ripening, total placenta praevia, and intrauterine growth restriction, whereas no differences were found in the remaining scenarios. Compared to the obstetricians, the midwives also reported that they expected the recommendation to be more effective. Most midwives and obstetricians reported that they thought strict activity restriction was associated with severe or moderate adverse effect, and recommended antithrombotic prophylaxis. Conclusions: Danish obstetricians and midwives prescribe activity restriction in most high-risk pregnancies. The degree of activity restriction and the presumed effect vary between clinicians. This may reflect different attitudes and lack of guidelines based on clinical studies of a possible benefit of activity restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury exposure in pregnancy has been associated with both pregnancy complications and developmental problems in infants. Apart from industrial accidents and contaminated food, mercury exposure is likely to arise from predatory fish consumption, environmental contamination and dental amalgam restorations placed before or during pregnancy. It would be prudent to recommend that pregnant women avoid these potential problems and minimize any risk. The available literature indicates a linear relationship with mercury levels and IQ deficit, and therefore a safe limit of mercury cannot be calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine specific obstetrical and neonatal complications associated with diet-treated gestational diabetes (DTGD) and medically treated gestational diabetes (MTGD). Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of women followed in the Robert Debré Hospital (France, Paris) and who have given birth between 1 January, 2004, and 19 November, 2010. Clinical, biological, maternal and neonatal data were reported in the maternity database. Associations between obstetrical and neonatal complications and gestational diabetes were evaluated by estimating odd ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs, using a logistic regression model. Results: 16,244 pregnancies were included in the study. 1515 (9.3%) women had gestational diabetes: 1108 (7.3%) had DTGD, 243 (1.7%) had MTGD. After full adjustment, MTGD was associated with an increased risk of nonscheduled cesarean (ORnonscheduled=2.3; 95% CI: 1.6-3.3; P<0.001) while DTGD was not (ORnonscheduled=1.0; 95% CI: 0.8-1.3; P<0.96). Clinical macrosomia was positively associated with DTGD (OR=2; 95% CI: 1.7-2.4; P<0.0001) or MTGD (OR=2.9; 95% CI: 2.1-3.9; P<0.0001). Conclusion: This study confirms that macrosomia is the main complication of DTGD. By contrast, DTGD was not associated with neonatal hypoglycemia and cesarean, while these complications were associated with MTGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA), physical abuse, as well as other adverse childhood experiences (ACE), and different obstetrical risk factors/behaviors. Methods: In this cohort study, obstetrical risk factors and perinatal outcome in 85 women exposed to CSA were compared to 170 matched unexposed women. CSA, physical abuse, and ACE were explored by face-to-face interviews and by questionnaire. Data on perinatal outcome were extracted from medical charts. Fisher's exact, χ2-test, and multiple logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: During pregnancy women with CSA experiences were significantly more often smoking (31.7%/9.4%; P<0.0001), had partners abusing drugs (10.6%/1.2%; P<0.0005), experienced physical (16.5%/0; P<0.0001), sexual (12.9%/0; P<0.0001), and emotional abuse (44.7%/1.7%; P<0.0001), reported depression (24.7%/1.8%; P<0.0001), and suicidal ideation (10.6%/0; P<0.0001) than women without CSA experiences. Differences in risk factors were more often correlated with physical than with sexual abuse during childhood. The probability for premature delivery was associated with CSA, physical abuse and ACE as well as with several of the risk factors investigated. Conclusion: Women with CSA, physical, and ACE present with a variety of abuse-associated obstetrical risk factors and an increased risk for premature delivery. Therefore, all types of abusive and other ACE should be considered in prenatal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate obstetric outcome after stillbirth according to placental and prothrombotic risk factors. Methods: Obstetric outcomes of women with prior stillbirth and subsequent pregnancies were reviewed. Data on the immediate subsequent pregnancy included fetal loss, stillbirth, obstetric/medical complications, gestational age and birth weight at delivery, mode of delivery, thrombophilia, and prescribed medication. Placental stillbirth was defined as stillbirth associated with placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), or histological evidence of placental infarcts. Controls were unselected women who gave birth at our center during a single calendar year. Factors influencing recurrence risks were estimated. Results: Seventy-three subsequent pregnancies were identified. Five out of 73 (6.8%) women had a repeat stillbirth, significantly higher than controls (relative risk 22.2, 95% confidence interval 8.9-55.4). Four out of five repeat stillbirth cases occurred <37 weeks gestation. Hypertensive complications, diabetes and abruption were higher, while gestational age and birth weight at delivery were significantly lower than controls. Prior placental stillbirth was associated with a 10.5 times higher risk of IUGR in the subsequent pregnancy compared with non-placental stillbirth. All five repeat stillbirth cases occurred in thrombophilic women. Conclusion: Women with prior stillbirth face an increased risk of pregnancy complications and stillbirth recurrence, especially with concurrent thrombophilia. Most repeat stillbirth cases occur preterm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To test if an isolated finding of low-normal amniotic fluid index (AF1) in the early third trimester in low-risk patients is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods: Retrospective cohort study with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies that had ultrasound studies between 28.0 and 31.9 weeks' gestation. Two cohorts with AFI 8.0-11.9 cm (low-normal, LN) and AFI 12.0-19.9 cm (mid-normal, MN) were compared. Results: Patients with LN-AFI (n=99) were more likely to have early (<34 weeks) and late (<37 weeks) preterm birth (PTB) (relative risk 4.2 and 2.4, respectively) and a small for gestational age (SGA) infant (relative risk 1.8) than MN-AFI (n=834), corresponding to a higher NICU admission rate (relative risk 2.5). The risk of "spontaneous" PTB (preterm labor and rupture of membranes) did not differ between the cohorts, whereas the risk of "indicated" PTB (maternal or fetal indications) was significantly increased in LN-AFI. The incidence of abnormal antepartum testing, stillbirth, preeclampsia, placental abruption, fetal intolerance to labor, emergency cesarean delivery, umbilical artery pH <7.0, Apgar scores <7 at 5 min, and neonatal death was not increased in patients with LN-AFI. Conclusion: Low-normal AFI in the early third trimester increases the risk for subsequent delivery of an SGA infant and indicated PTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The goal of this study was to evaluate the umbilical and uterine Doppler velocimetry waveforms for predicting the perinatal outcome of low-risk pregnancies at term. Methods: We prospectively recruited 514 women with low-risk pregnancies and performed umbilical and uterine artery Doppler assessments between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound measurements (completed in 365 patients) were correlated with the perinatal outcome. Results: The velocimetry waveforms of the umbilical artery were significantly associated with birthweight, placental weight, and postpartal umbilical artery pH. Low pH, placental weight, and birthweight were correlated with increasing pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI). An umbilical artery PI>1.2 and a uterine artery RI>0.5 were associated with statistically higher rates of infants that were small for gestational age (SGA). Also, high cesarean delivery rates were correlated with an umbilical artery PI>1.2. Conclusions: In our low-risk pregnancies population, the elevated umbilical artery indices at term appeared to be associated with the higher rates of infants that were SGA and cesarean deliveries. The Doppler waveforms at term had low prognostic value for predicting neonatal acidosis or decreased Apgar scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To establish and test a multivariate approach for identification of patients with high risk for adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) by a combination of sonographic (20+0-23+6 weeks) and biometrical data in a test group and to prove its effectiveness in a validation group. Methods: In order to develop a multivariate approach for identifying patients at high risk for APO, data from 15,855 non-treated singleton pregnancies (test group A), with well-known outcomes, were analysed retrospectively. Registered parameters were parity, body mass index (BMI), mean of pulsatility index of both uterine arteries (meanPI), presence of notch, and depth of notch described as the mean of the notch index of both uterine arteries (meanNI). In a second step, the model was validated in 3678 subsequent non-treated singleton pregnancies (validation group B). Results: In test group A, the calculated probabilities of APO were found between 1.3% and 82.8%, with the 95th centile at 11.2% and the 99th centile at 28.3%. In validation group B, in patients with a low calculated risk for APO <10%, complications were found in 4.4%. In patients with an intermediate risk of APO between 10% and 28%, complications were found in 10.7%. In patients from group B who were identified to be at high risk with a calculated probability of APO >28%, complications were found in 39.1%. Conclusion: A multivariate approach toward risk-assessment of APO seems to be a promising method for identifying patients who are at high risk for APO. Besides the individual consequence of intensive surveillance, the identification of groups of patients at high risk for APO might serve as a basis for interventional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To review the neonatal outcomes of assisted reproductive technique (ART) vs. naturally conceived (NC) twins. Methods: A search in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane library was performed (January 2000-September 2010). Articles reporting outcomes of ART vs. NC twins were classified in controlled and non-controlled studies. A sub-group was limited to unlike sex twins (UST). The MOOSE guidelines were followed. A randomized model was generated if inter-studies heterogeneity was >25%. Inter-group comparison was significant if P<0.05. Results: Thirteen articles were reviewed. In non-controlled studies, outcomes were equal between groups, except for cesarean section rates (ART: 71.8%; NC: 49.6%; P<0.0001; OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.55-3.54). Similar results were obtained in controlled studies, except for higher rates of preterm delivery in ART (55%) than in NC (53%) twins (P=0.03; OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03-1.65). UST differed with regard to preterm delivery (ART: 58.6%; NC: 49.5%; P<0.0001; OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.25-1.83), and perinatal death (ART: 3.6%; NC: 1.8%; P<0.0001; OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.41-2.71). Birth weight differed between groups. Conclusion: ART twins carry increased risk of adverse outcomes. UST are at higher risk of perinatal death, although further studies are needed to assess whether chorionicity impacts on neonatal outcomes after ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) (non-phosphorylated), placental alpha-microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) and nitrazine test to diagnose premature rupture of membrane to allow gestation-specific management. Methods: We recruited 100 women with signs or symptoms of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), between 17 and 37 weeks at a tertiary referral center. Results: In 100 women in whom PAMG-1 was performed, sensitivity was 92.7%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.2%. IGFBP-1 was performed in 94 women, the sensitivity was 87.5%, specificity was 94.4%, PPV was 92.1% and NPV was 91.1%. In 98 women in whom nitrazine test was performed, the sensitivity was 85%, specificity was 39.7%, PPV was 49.3% and NPV was 79.3%. Conclusion: PAMG-1 was the most accurate test in diagnosing rupture of membranes and had the highest sensitivity, specificity, PPVs and NPVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess complications of very advanced maternal age (VAMA) pregnancies ≥45 years with and without egg donation (ED). Study design: Obstetric and neonatal complications were studied in 20,659 singleton pregnancies according to three maternal age groups: 20-39, 40-44 [advanced maternal age (AMA)] and ≥45 years (VAMA). Twenty pregnancies within the AMA/LAMA group that were achieved with ED were compared with age-matched controls. Results: AMA mothers were more likely to have higher rates of preterm deliveries (OR 1.25), cesarean sections (OR 1.84) hypertension (OR 1.71) and diabetes (OR 2.45). Their newborns were more frequently small for gestational age (OR 1.30), and were more likely to have high rates of respiratory distress syndrome (OR 1.66), neonatal intensive care admission (OR 1.40) and perinatal/neonatal mortality (OR 1.83). VAMA pregnancies had >50% cesarean section rate and a high rate of diabetes (OR 2.29), hypertension (OR 1.54) and postpartum hemorrhage (OR 5.38). Congenital anomalies were more common among ED pregnancies. Conclusions: The higher rate of pregnancy complications for women ≥40 years is not further increased after 45 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Topics include PPROM involving interaction of immunologic factors (amniocytes), connective tissue physiology (cervix and chorioamniotic membranes), and muscle physiology, immunology of pregnancy, and discoveries in the amniotic cavity that have direct bearing on the diagnosis of intra-amniotic inflammation and infection.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including twin pregnancies with preterm delivery (PTD), the use of four-dimensional (4D) sonography and impact of antenatal magnesium sulfate on preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) subjects.

In order to prevent fetal mortality due to vasa previa, it is neceesary to obtain an antenatal diagnosis and perform elective cesarean section prior to membrane rupture. Under present circumstances, management strategies for vasa previa depend on each institutional policy. In our institution, patients are not routinely admitted, although precise outpatient management, including confirming the presence of uterine contractions and monitoring the cervical length, fetal growth and fetal heart rate, is provided for pregnant females with vasa previa. In the present report, we reviewed 21 cases of vasa previa managed at our hospital. Some 71% (15/21) of them were required inpatient management due to its complications, resulting in emergency delivery in about half of them. Therefore, our results suggest that only carefully selected asymptomatic patients may be successfully managed as outpatients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: One of the features of the health status of the population of modern Ukraine is the high prevalence of connective tissue (CT) anomalies. Most often they identify as dysplasia, seen as a consequence of genetic load under the influence of new social, anthropogenic factors (stress, inadequate food), in the expression of environmental changes. On modern scientific ideas, dysplasia of connective tissue (DCT) has 100% dependent on the actions of adverse factors in the prenatal period, that allows to consider them as a dismorphogenetic phenomenon. Our goal is evaluation of contributing links between complications of gestational process and connective tissue abnormalities. Materials and methods: Conducted cohort study (2004-2008, 6585 observations) to assess the prevalence of the DCT in the Eastern Ukrainian region of Ukraine. We investigated the role of anomalies of the CT as a possible source of obstetric and perinatal pathology. In the second phase, using a case-control method we assessed importance of DCT in the development of such forms of pathology: miscarriages and premature births, preeclampsia, premature detachment of the placenta, dystocia. As you know, the special cipher for DDT in ICD-10 does not exist, and various pathological conditions and syndromes took place in different sections - varicose processes, myopia, mitral valve prolapse, hypermobility of joints, etc. Results: The frequency of DCT among women of reproductive age reaches 30-33, 1% in different years, is more common in women megalopolis, less frequently in rural areas. Therefore, DCT is a population characteristic of the modern generation of the region, as well as a qualification for enhancing the effect of dysplasia in subsequent generations. Found that in women with DCT typical mechanism for premature termination of pregnancy is the shortening of the cervix during the second trimester. The relative risk for miscarriage pregnancy when DCT is high (4.34, DI -6.1 3.09). For DCT characteristic are the following types of pathology of pregnancy, which play a role in the pathogenesis of primary morpho-functional disorders of the utero-placental complex, breach of collagen synthesis. We established a higher frequency of premature detachment of the placenta (4.1% with regional frequency 0.5 -1.5%), abnormal placental attachment, severe pre-eclampsia, obstetric trauma, postpartum hemorrhage. Childbirth in women with DCT in 40% pass with premature rupture of membranes, quickly due to the shortening of latent phase 1 period. More warped and dyscoordination uterine contractions. To improve pregnancy outcome for mother and fetus if DST us requested and successfully applied in clinic courses angioprotektoral drugs diosminum, gesperedinum, Ginkgo biloba. Conclusions: DCT should be considered as a significant risk factor for perinatal pathology. Shortening of the cervix is the visceral marker of DCT during pregnancy. Using diosminum or gesperedinum or Ginkgo biloba or its combinations during pregnancy provides better perinatal outcomes compared with a group of women who have been appointed not that drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No abstract available [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]