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Objective: To examine the impact of war conditions on maternal mental health postpartum outcomes, specifically depression and anxiety, as well as on maternal-infant bonding (MIB)., Study Design: A prospective cohort study was performed on women who gave birth in a tertiary medical center during (October-November 2023) and before (March-May 2020) the Israel-Hamas War. All participants completed validated self-reported questionnaires: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS ≥ 10), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI > 39) and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ ≥ 26)., Results: A total of 502 women were included in the study, with 230 delivering during the war and 272 delivered before. The rates of postpartum depression (PPD) were higher in women delivering during the war (26.6% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.001), while multivariable regression revealing a two-fold higher risk (adjusted OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.74, p = 0.017). The rate of postpartum anxiety (PPA) risk was also higher (34.3% vs 17.0%, p < 0.001), reaching a trend towards significance when accounting for other risk factors (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% CI 0.97-4.36, p = 0.058). Additionally, delivery during the war was associated with specific factors of impaired maternal-infant bonding (MIB), although it did not increase the overall impaired MIB (PBQ ≥ 26) (10.2 ± 14.1 vs 8.3 ± 6.9, p = 0.075)., Conclusion: The study revealed an increased risk of PPD, a marginally risk for PPA, and some aspects of impaired MIB among women delivering during the war. Maternal mental illness in the postpartum period has negative impacts on the entire family. Therefore, comprehensive screening and adequate resources should be provided for women delivering in war-conflict zones., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. Clinical trial registration: The study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board (IRB-0208-22-SOR). Informed consent: Data regarding any of the subjects in the study has not been previously published. Data will be made available to the editors of the journal for review or query upon request., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: Small for gestational age (SGA) singletons are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Scarce data exist regarding the long-term implications of SGA in twins. We opted to study the association between SGA of one twin and long-term neurologic related morbidity in dichorionic diamniotic twins., Study Design: A population-based retrospective cohort study including consecutive dichorionic diamniotic twins, born between the years 1991 and 2021 at a tertiary medical center was conducted. Total and subtypes of neurologic related pediatric hospitalizations among SGA versus non-SGA twins were compared. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative neurologic morbidity incidence, and a Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to adjust for confounders., Results: The study population included 4222 newborns; 180 (4.3%) were SGA. Rate of long-term neurologic related hospitalizations was comparable between the two groups (8.7 vs. 8.0%, p = 0.755; Kaplan-Meier survival curve Log-rank p = 0.652). Using a Cox proportional hazards model, controlling for gender and birth order, no association was found between SGA and the risk for subsequent neurologic pediatric morbidity of the offspring (Adjusted HR = 1.0, 95% CI 0.6-1.8, p = 0.973)., Conclusions: SGA is not associated with an increased risk for long-term pediatric neurologic morbidity in dichorionic diamniotic twins., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To investigate perinatal outcomes and long-term infectious morbidity in children of mothers with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)., Methods: A population-based cohort study comparing perinatal outcomes and long-term infectious morbidity of offspring of mothers with and without FMF was conducted. All singleton deliveries between the years 1991-2021 in a tertiary medical center were included. The study groups were followed until 18 years of age for long-term infectious morbidity. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative incidence of long-term infectious morbidity, and generalized estimation equation (GEE) models as well as Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to control for confounders., Results: During the study period, 356,356 deliveries met the inclusion criteria. 411 of them were women with FMF. The mean follow-up period interval was 9.7 years (SD = 6.2) in both study groups. Using GEE models, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, and low birth weight were independently associated with maternal FMF. The total infectious-related hospitalization rate was significantly higher in offspring born to mothers with FMF compared to the comparison group (Kaplan-Meier survival curve, log-rank p < 0.001). Using a Cox proportional hazards model, controlling for gestational age, maternal age, diabetes mellitus, cesarean delivery, and hypertensive disorders, being born to a mother with FMF was found to be an independent risk factor for long-term infection-related hospitalization of the offspring., Conclusion: Maternal FMF was found to be independently associated with long-term infection-related hospitalization of the offspring. This positive correlation may reflect an intra-uterine pro-inflammatory environment which may result in the offspring's long-term susceptibility to infection., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: The present study aims to investigate the association between emotion regulation difficulties and pain perception during the immediate postpartum period., Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in women during the immediate postpartum period. Women completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) questionnaire to measure difficulties in emotion regulation. A second analysis was conducted for the six subdomains of the DERS questionnaire. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain intensity. The association between DERS scores and VAS score was assessed. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to control for potential confounders., Results: A total of 150 women were included in the final analysis, of whom 112 (74.6%) delivered vaginally and 38 (25.4%) had a cesarean delivery. Higher DERS scores, indicating more difficulties in emotion regulation, were significantly associated with higher VAS scores regardless of mode of delivery. Likewise, higher emotion regulation scores in 5 of 6 subdomains were associated with higher VAS scores (p < 0.001). Using multivariate logistic regression models higher DERS scores were independently associated with higher VAS scores., Conclusion: Difficulties in emotion regulation are associated with higher pain perception during the immediate postpartum period. Interventions designed to improve emotion regulation may improve maternal well-being in the immediate postpartum period and possibly reduce use of pain medication., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: An ancient description of the competition between twins for first breath is found in the biblical story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:26) when Jacob pulled his older brother's heel in the hope of becoming firstborn but to no avail. In this study, we sought to evaluate the short and long-term outcomes of twin pairs, comparing between the second- and first-born twin., Methods: A population-based cohort study, including dichorionic twin deliveries occurring between the years 1991 and 2021 at Soroka University Medical Center. A General estimation equation (GEE) was applied to adjust for confounders. The incidence of offspring's hospitalizations due to various medical conditions was compared. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses compared cumulative morbidity. Cox proportional hazards models were used to control for confounders., Results: 5507 twin deliveries met the inclusion criteria. Second-born twins had higher rates of cesarean deliveries, statistically significant in the GEE multivariable analysis. More first-twin fetuses were experiencing non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns, although other obstetrical outcomes as well as mortality rates were comparable between groups. Second twins weighed lower than their older sibling (mean difference 33 g) and were more frequently SGA and low birthweight (1500-2500 g); (p < 0.05). Later during childhood, offspring of twin deliveries experienced notable morbidity due to infectious (23.8-24.1%), respiratory (10.5-10.9%), neurological (7.0-7.8%) and cardiovascular pathologies (1.7-1.9%) during childhood, that was unaffected by birth order., Conclusion: Other than birthweight differences, the birth order of dichorionic twins is not associated with adverse neonatal health indices, nor does it predict excess risk for morbidity during childhood., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major determinant of adverse short- and long-term perinatal outcomes. The current definition of FGR (estimated fetal weight measurement < 10th percentile) may lead, at times, to a false diagnosis of fetuses that are eventually born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Our objective was to investigate the potential association between a misdiagnosis of antepartum fetal growth restriction and long-term neurological outcomes in offspring., Study Design: A population-based cohort analysis was performed including deliveries between the years 1991-2020 in a tertiary medical center. We compared neurological hospitalization during childhood among AGA infants falsely diagnosed as FGR versus AGA infants without a false FGR diagnosis. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to assess cumulative morbidity and a Cox proportional hazards model was employed to control for confounders., Results: During the study period, 324,620 AGA infants met the inclusion criteria; 3249 of them were falsely classified as FGR. These offspring had higher rates of hospitalizations due to various neurological conditions, as compared to those without an FGR diagnosis (OR 1.431, 95% CI 1.278-1.608; P < 0.001). In addition, cumulative hospitalization incidence was elevated in the FGR group (log-rank P-value < 0.001). When controlling for confounders, a false FGR diagnosis remained independently associated with long-term neurological morbidities (adjusted HR 1.086, 95% CI 1.003-1.177, P = 0.043)., Conclusion: Misdiagnosis of FGR in the antepartum period is associated with an increased risk for offspring long-term neurological morbidities., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Intrapartum fetal death is devastating for both parents and medical caregivers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for intrapartum fetal death, which often influence management in subsequent pregnancies., Methods: This population-based cohort study included all singleton deliveries between the years 1991-2016 at Soroka University Medical Center. Trends over the years, risk factors for intrapartum fetal death and the effect of day of the week were examined. A generalized estimation equation (GEE) model was used to control for confounders., Results: During the study period 344,536 deliveries were recorded, of which 251 (0.1%) suffered intrapartum fetal death. Rates did not change significantly over the years (p = 0.130, using the chi-square test for trends). Preterm delivery, placental abruption, uterine rupture, shoulder dystocia, congenital malformations, severe preeclampsia and fetal malpresentation were significantly more common in pregnancies complicated by intrapartum death. Using a GEE model; shoulder dystocia (aOR 23.8, 95% CI 9.9-57.3, p < 0.005), uterine rupture (aOR 19.0, 95% CI 7.0-51.4, p < 0.05), preterm delivery (aOR 11.9, 95% CI 8.6-16.5, p < 0.001), placental abruption (aOR 6.2, 95% CI 4.1-9.4, p < 0.001), fetal malpresentation (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 2.6-4.9, p < 0.005) and congenital malformations (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.5, p < 0.05) were all independent risk factors for intrapartum fetal death. Weekend deliveries were not at increased risk of intrapartum fetal death., Conclusion: Several risk factors were identified for intrapartum fetal death, with shoulder dystocia demonstrating the highest risk. Unfortunately most factors are neither preventable nor predictable and interventions to decrease the rate of intrapartum fetal death remain elusive., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To evaluate the association between prenatal maternal anemia (hemoglobin, Hb < 11 g/dl) and long-term respiratory morbidity of the offspring., Methods: A retrospective population-based cohort analysis was performed at a single tertiary medical center. We include all singletons born between 1991-2014 and discharged alive. Offspring with congenital malformations were excluded. The 3 study groups were defined on maternal Hb levels on discharge: severe anemia (< 7.0 g/dl), mild to moderate anemia (7.0-11.0 g/dl) and unexposed (≥ 11.0 g/dl). Offspring respiratory morbidity was predefined on ICD-9 codes and recruited from the hospitalized medical records. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was formed to compare the cumulative hospitalization and a multivariable Cox survival analysis was used to control for cofounders (gestational age, maternal age, diabetes, hypertensive disorders, post-partum hemorrhage and transfusion of blood products)., Results: 214,305 deliveries met the inclusion criteria: 807 (0.3%) mothers had severe anemia, 105,196 (49.1%) mothers had mild-moderate anemia, and the remaining were not anemic (108,302, 50.5%). Respiratory hospitalization was significantly higher among the offspring born to anemic mothers (6.2%; 5.3% and 5.1%; p = 0.020, in the study groups). However, association between maternal anemia and respiratory-related hospitalization remained significant only among the mild-moderate anemic group (adjusted Cox hazard ratio = 1.1; 95% CI 1.05-1.14; p < 0.01). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant higher total respiratory hospitalizations in offspring according to maternal anemia status (Log Rank p-value =  < .001)., Conclusion: Maternal anemia was associated with long-term respiratory morbidity of the offspring., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Pruritus during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes. We opted to assess the association between term pruritus and long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations of the offspring., Methods: In a population-based retrospective cohort study, the incidence of long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations was compared between offspring born to women with or without pruritus at term. Neuropsychiatric morbidity was assessed up to the age of 18 years according to ICD-9 codes associated with hospitalization of the offspring. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative neuropsychiatric hospitalizations incidence and Cox proportional hazards models were used to control for confounders. The study included 226,918 deliveries of which 600 (0.26%) were in women with term pruritus., Results: Offspring born to women with pruritus exhibited a higher rate of long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations, specifically due to developmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations in offspring of women with pruritus. Using several Cox proportional hazards models, being born to a woman with pruritus was independently associated with an increased risk of long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations., Conclusions: Maternal term pruritus was found to be independently associated with long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations of the offspring., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Mode of delivery has long-term implications on the mother, including recent data regarding the level of transmission of fetal microchimeric cells (FMc) and their possible effect on cancer development. We aimed to evaluate the association between cesarean section (CS) and future risk for neoplasms., Study Design: A population-based cohort analysis comparing the long-term risk for neoplasms between patients that delivered only by CS to those that delivered only vaginally (VD). Neoplasms were pre-defined based on ICD-9 codes. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991-2017 in a tertiary medical center. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare the cumulative incidence of neoplasms and Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to control for confounders., Results: During the study period 105,992 patients met the inclusion criteria; 14150 (13.4%) of patients had only CS and 91842 (86.6%) had VD (comparison group). The CS group had significantly higher incidence of benign and malignant neoplasms (4.73 per 1000 patient-years versus 3.88 per 1000 patient-years, OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.16-1.37; p = 0.001; 2.19 per 1000 patient-years of follow up versus 1.93 per 1000 patient-years, OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.03-1.31; p = 0.013). Specifically, the CS group had higher incidence of uterine cancer (1.2 versus 0.06 per 1000 patient-years, OR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.14-3.39; p = 0.013). The cumulative incidence of benign, malignant and uterine neoplasms was significantly higher in the CS group (Log rank test p = 0.001; 0.036 and 0.014; respectively). Importantly, no significant association was found with breast and ovarian malignancies." When performing a Cox regression model controlling for confounders, the risk for malignancy-related hospitalizations remained significant (adjusted HR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.48; p = 0.031) but not for uterine cancer (adjusted HR = 1.6, 95% CI 0.9-2.8; p = 0.103)., Conclusion: Our findings provide support to linkage between delivery by cesarean section and future maternal malignancy., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Maternal condyloma acuminata infection may be vertically transmitted to the offspring during pregnancy and childbirth. Our study aimed to investigate the possible impact of maternal condyloma acuminata infection in pregnancy on offspring respiratory and infectious morbidity., Methods: A population-based cohort analysis including all singleton deliveries occurring between 1991 and 2014 at a tertiary medical center. Long-term infectious and respiratory morbidities were compared between children with and without exposure to maternal condyloma infection during pregnancy. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative hospitalization rate and a Cox regression analyses to control for confounders., Results: No significant differences were found in total respiratory and infectious related hospitalizations between the study groups. The survival curves demonstrated no difference in the cumulative incidence between the two groups in both respiratory hospitalizations (log-rank, p = 0.18) and infectious hospitalizations (log-rank, p = 0.95). Cox multivariable analyses demonstrated that exposure to maternal condyloma infection during pregnancy is not a risk factor for neither infectious (aHR 0.91, [CI] 0.49-1.69) nor respiratory (aHR 0.37, [CI] 0.09-1.51) morbidity during childhood and adolescence., Conclusion: Exposure to maternal condyloma infection during pregnancy does not appear to be an independent risk factor for later respiratory or infectious morbidity throughout childhood and adolescence., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether children that were born small for gestational age (SGA) have an increased risk for childhood neoplasm., Study Design: A population-based cohort analysis comparing the risk for long-term childhood neoplasms (benign and malignant) in children that were born SGA vs. those that were appropriate for gestational age (AGA), between the years1991-2014. Childhood neoplasms were predefined based on ICD-9 codes, as recorded in the hospital medical files. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed to compare cumulative oncological morbidity in both groups over time. Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders., Results: During the study period 231,973 infants met the inclusion criteria; out of those 10,998 were born with a diagnosis of SGA. Children that were SGA at birth had higher incidence of lymphoma (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.06-5.82; p value = 0.036). In addition, cumulative incidence over time of total childhood lymphoma was significantly higher in SGA children (Log Rank = 0.030). In a Cox regression model controlling for other perinatal confounders; SGA at birth remained independently associated with an increased risk for childhood lymphoma (adjusted HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.03-5.56, p value = 0.043)., Conclusion: Being delivered SGA is associated with an increased long-term risk for childhood malignancy and specifically lymphoma., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: The current study was aimed to assess whether maternal epilepsy is linked to long-term neurological morbidity of the offspring, and to examine whether maternal epilepsy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes., Methods: A population-based cohort study was conducted comparing perinatal outcomes of women with and without epilepsy, including long-term neurological morbidity of the offspring. Both the exposed and unexposed groups were followed up to 18 years of age for neurological-related morbidity. To assess perinatal outcomes of women with epilepsy, generalized estimation equation (GEE) models were used to control for confounders. To compare the cumulative incidence of long-term neurological morbidity a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used. A Cox proportional hazards model was built to control for confounders., Results: During the study period, 243,682 deliveries met the inclusion criteria; 711 (0.29%) were of mothers with epilepsy. Maternal epilepsy was noted as an independent risk factor for preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, and low birth weight using GEE models controlling for maternal age and parity. Offspring born to mothers with epilepsy had higher rates of long-term neurological morbidity (Kaplan-Meier log-rank test, p < 0.001). A Cox proportional hazards model, controlled for maternal age, hypertensive disorders, gestational age, and diabetes mellitus, demonstrated that being born to a mother with epilepsy was an independent risk factor for long-term neurological morbidity of the offspring (adjusted HR 2.7, 95% CI 2.12-3.56, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: The pregnancy of epileptic women is independently associated with the adverse perinatal outcome as well as a higher risk for long-term neurological morbidity of the offspring., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affect about 17% of all pregnancies and is associated with significant short- and long-term health consequences for the mother and her offspring. Early diagnosis and prompt interventions may reduce these adverse outcomes. We aimed to identify first pregnancy characteristics as risk factors for GDM in subsequent pregnancy., Materials and Methods: A population-based nested case-control study was conducted in a large tertiary hospital. The study population included all women with two singleton consecutive pregnancies and deliveries, without GDM in the first pregnancy. Characteristics and complications of the first pregnancy were compared among cases and controls. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to study the association between pregnancy complications (in the first pregnancy) and GDM in the subsequent pregnancy, while adjusting for confounding variables., Results: A total of 38,750 women were included in the study, of them 1.9% (n = 728) had GDM in their second pregnancy. Mothers with GDM in their second pregnancy were more likely to have the following first pregnancy complications: hypertensive disorders, perinatal mortality, maternal obesity and fetal macrosomia. Results remained significant after adjustment for maternal age and inter-pregnancy interval. Having either one of the complications increased the risk for GDM by 2.33 (adjusted OR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.93-2.82) while a combination of two complications increased GDM risk by 5.38 (adjusted OR = 5.38; 95% CI 2.85-10.17)., Conclusions: First pregnancy without GDM complicated by hypertensive disorders, perinatal mortality, maternal obesity and fetal macrosomia was associated with an increased risk for GDM in the subsequent pregnancy. Women with these complications may benefit from early detection of GDM in their subsequent pregnancy., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To evaluate perinatal outcomes and long-term neurological morbidity of offspring to mothers with a history of ectopic pregnancy., Methods: In this retrospective study, perinatal outcomes and long-term neurological morbidity of offspring were assessed among mothers with a history of ectopic pregnancy, either medically or surgically treated. The study groups were followed until 18 years of age for neurological-related morbidity. For perinatal outcomes, generalized estimated equation (GEE) models were used to control for confounders. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative neurological morbidity incidence and Cox proportional hazards model was conducted to control for confounders., Results: A total of 243,682 mothers were included; 1424 mothers (0.58%) had a previous ectopic pregnancy, of which 25.6% (n = 365) were treated medically, and 74.3% (n = 1059) were treated surgically. Using GEE models, controlling for confounders, both surgically and medically treated ectopic pregnancies were noted as independent risk factors for preterm delivery in the subsequent pregnancies. Maternal history of surgically treated ectopic pregnancy was also independently associated with cesarean delivery. Offspring to mothers with previous ectopic pregnancy had comparable rates of long-term neurological morbidity. In the Cox proportional hazards model, controlling for confounders, being born to a mother with a history of previous ectopic pregnancy was not found to be independently associated with long-term neurological morbidity of offspring., Conclusions: Maternal history of ectopic pregnancy is independently associated with preterm delivery. However, offspring of mothers with a history of ectopic pregnancy are not at an increased risk for long-term neurological morbidity., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)

Background: In this study we sought to ascertain a critical threshold of the degree of prematurity and long-term digestive morbidity of the offspring., Methods: A population-based cohort analysis was conducted, comparing long-term incidence of digestive morbidity in infants born preterm. Cases were divided into four groups according to the extremity of prematurity. Digestive morbidity included hospitalizations involving a predefined set of ICD9 codes. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was constructed to compare cumulative incidence of digestive morbidity. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders., Results: During the study period 220,563 patients met the inclusion criteria. Offspring born preterm had significantly more hospitalizations due to digestive morbidity compared to term offspring. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated significant higher cumulative incidence of long-term digestive morbidity of the offspring with decreasing gestational age (Log rank p < 0.001). The risk was highest at 28 weeks gestation. Using a Cox proportional hazards model, being born at very and moderate to late preterm birth was independently associated with long-term digestive morbidity., Conclusion: Preterm delivery is an independent risk factor for long-term digestive morbidity of the offspring. In our population, 28 weeks gestation is the critical cut-off for pronounced digestive morbidity., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Sexual violence is a global health problem. We aimed to evaluate the association between self-reported history of sexual violence and parturients' health behaviors, focusing on routine gynecological care, and mental well-being., Methods: This was a retrospective questionnaire-based study, including mothers of newborns delivered at the "Soroka" University Medical Center (SUMC). Participants were asked to complete three validated questionnaires, including: screening for sexual violence history (SES), post-traumatic stress disorder (PDS) and post-partum depression (EPDS). Additionally, a demographic, pregnancy and gynecological history data questionnaire was completed, and medical record summarized. Multiple analyses were performed, comparing background and outcome variables across the different SES severity levels. Multivariable regression models were constructed, while adjusting for confounding variables., Results: The study included 210 women. Of them, 26.3% (n = 57) reported unwanted sexual encounter, 23% (n = 50) reported coercion, 1.8% (n = 4) assault and attempted rape, and 1.4% (n = 3) reported rape. A significant association was found between sexual violence history and neglected gynecological care, positive EPDS screening, and reporting experiencing sexual trauma. Several multivariable regression models were constructed, to assess independent associations between sexual violence history and gynecological health-care characteristics, as well as EPDS score. Sexual violence history was found to be independently and significantly associated with a negative relationship with the gynecologist, avoidance of gynecological care, sub-optimal routine gynecological follow-up, and seeking a gynecologist for acute symptoms (adjusted OR = 0.356; 95% CI 0.169-0.749, adjusted OR = 0.369; 95% CI 0.170-0.804, adjusted OR = 2.255; 95% CI 1.187-4.283, and adjusted OR = 2.113; 95% CI 1.085-4.111, respectively), as well as with the risk of post-partum depression (adjusted OR = 4.46; 95% CI 2.03-9.81). All models adjusted for maternal age and ethnicity., Conclusion: Sexual violence history is extremely common among post-partum women. It is independently associated with post-partum depression, neglected gynecological care, a negative relationship with the gynecologist, and with reporting of experiencing sexual trauma. Identifying populations at risk and taking active measures, may reduce distress and improve emotional well-being and family function., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of IPI on long-term neurological morbidity of the offspring., Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 144,397 singleton infants born to multiparous mothers, between the years 1991 and 2014 in a tertiary medical center, were evaluated for different perinatal outcomes and were followed until 18 years of age for long-term neurological morbidity according to three IPI groups: Short IPI (< 6 months), long IPI (> 60 months) and intermediate IPI (6-60 months). We used a Kaplan-Meier survival curve to compare cumulative incidence of long-term neurological morbidity, and a Cox regression analysis to control for confounders such as gestational age, birth weight and maternal age., Results: Offspring born to mothers with long IPI had higher rates of neurological morbidity (3.62% among offspring born after long IPI vs. 3.18% and 3.19% among offspring born after short and intermediate IPI, respectively, p = 0.041). The cumulative incidence of long-term neurological morbidity was significantly higher in the long IPI group (Kaplan-Meier log-rank test p < 0.001). Being born after a long IPI was found to be an independent risk factor for long-term neurological morbidity of the offspring (adjusted hazard ratio 1.2; 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.4; p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Long IPI is independently associated with an increased risk of long-term neurological morbidity of the offspring.

Performing thyroid function tests (TFT) at 2 weeks of age in neonates of mothers with hypothyroidism, despite having a newborn screening program, is a debated approach. We examined whether there is an additional clinical benefit in TFT at 2 weeks of age in neonates born to mothers with hypothyroidism, in addition to the neonatal screening program. We performed a retrospective study which included all newborns of mothers with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and gave birth in a single regional hospital between the years 2010 and 2016. Data were collected from a computerized medical record system of the hospital and the community clinics, and from Israel's national newborn screening program. Main outcome measure was results of serum TFT in comparison to the results of the neonatal screening test. There were 1392 newborns eligible according to the study criteria. Of these, 1033 underwent a newborn screening test, and serum TFT at least 2 weeks after birth. Eight babies with congenital hypothyroidism were detected independently by both the newborn screening program and at the TFT performed at 2 weeks of age.Conclusions: No added clinical benefit was found in retesting newborns of hypothyroid mothers for thyroid function in addition to the newborn screening program. What is Known • Performing thyroid function test 2 weeks after birth is a common practice in newborn to a mother with hypothyroidism. • Neonatal screening program for thyroid function is also done in these newborns. What is New • No newborn was found to have a normal newborn screening test but abnormal serum thyroid function test. • No added clinical benefit was found in retesting newborns of hypothyroid mothers for thyroid function in addition to the newborn screening program.

Purpose: Cesarean delivery (CD) has been recently suggested to be associated with offspring's long-term health implications. We aimed to investigate the association between delivery mode and long-term infectious morbidity of the offspring while employing sibling matched analysis to maximize confounder control., Methods: A retrospective population-based cohort study was performed, which included all sibling deliveries occurring between 1991 and 2014 at a regional tertiary medical center. Offsprings were followed up until the age of 18 years. The study included 13,516 individuals (6758 sibling pairs): the first born was via vaginal delivery and the second via CD. Each siblings pair was considered a matched set, with the aim to perform a within-family analysis. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative infectious morbidity incidence and a multivariable Cox survival hazards regression model to control for confounders., Results: Crude rates of total infectious hospitalizations were found to be significantly higher in the CD group (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.12-1.40). Specifically, bronchiolitis (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.56-2.63), otitis (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.21-1.9), and gastroenteritis (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.05-1.9) were all found to be significantly more common in the CD group. The survival curve demonstrated significantly higher cumulative infection-related hospitalization rates in the CD group (log-rank p < 0.001). The Cox model, adjusted for several confounders, confirmed the significant association between CD and offspring's infection-related morbidity (adjusted HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.02-1.53)., Conclusion: CD appears to be independently associated with later offspring infection-related morbidity, even while rigorously adjusting for confounders.

Background: Amniotic fluid abnormalities may be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, some of which are endocrine related., Objective: To evaluate whether in utero exposure to amniotic fluid abnormalities is associated with long-term endocrine morbidity in the offspring., Study Design: In this cohort study, the incidence of long-term endocrine disorders was compared between singletons exposed and non-exposed to oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios., Results: During the study period, 195 943 newborns were included in the study, of them 2.0% (n = 4072) and 2.9% (n = 5684) were exposed to oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios, respectively. Long-term endocrine morbidity was higher among children exposed to isolated amniotic fluid disorders, as was also noted in the Kaplan-Meier survival curve (log-rank test p < 0.001). Abnormal amniotic fluid volume was found to be independently associated with long-term endocrine morbidity of the offspring according to a Cox regression model controlled for clinically related confounders., Conclusion: In utero exposure to isolated amniotic fluid abnormalities is independently associated with long-term endocrine morbidity in the offspring.

Objective: Data regarding the effect of post-partum bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) on future risk for ovarian cancer (OC) is lacking. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of BTL during cesarean delivery (CD) on the long-term risk for OC., Study Design: A population-based cohort analysis of women above the age of 35 that underwent CD in their last delivery, comparing the long-term risk for OC between patients that had a Pomeroy excisional BTL and those that did not. OC diagnosis was pre-defined based on ICD-9 codes. Procedures occurred between the years 1991-2017. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative incidence of OC over time and Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to control for confounders., Results: During the study period 13,124 women met the inclusion criteria; 9438 (71.9%) of which had only CD and 3686 (28.1%) underwent CD with BTL. Despite the significantly higher incidence of maternal factors that might increase the long-term risk for OC in the BTL group (advanced maternal age, obesity, hypertensive diseases during pregnancy and diabetes mellitus), the cumulative incidence of OC cases was not significantly different between the two groups (Log-rank test p = 0.199). Likewise, when performing a Cox regression model controlling for maternal age, obesity, hypertensive diseases and diabetes, OC risk was not significantly different between the groups (adjusted HR 2.36, 95% CI 0.73-7.62; p = 0.149)., Conclusion: Despite an increased incidence of known risk factors for OC, patients that underwent BTL during CD did not have increased long-term risk for OC.

Since introduced, the Apgar score has remained the most widespread predictor for neonatal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate the association between low 5-min Apgar score and long-term infectious pediatric morbidity. A population-based cohort analysis was performed comparing total and specific subtypes of infectious morbidity leading to hospitalization among term newborns with normal (≥ 7) and low (< 7) 5-min Apgar scores, born between 1999 and 2014 at a single tertiary regional hospital. Infectious morbidity included hospitalizations involving a pre-defined set of infection-related ICD-9 codes. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was constructed to compare cumulative infectious morbidity incidence and a Cox proportional hazards model to adjust for confounders. The long-term analysis of 223,335 children (excluding perinatal death cases) yielded 585 (0.3%) infants with low 5-min Apgar scores. The rate of infection-related hospitalizations was 9.8% and 12.4% among newborns with normal and low 5-min Apgar scores, respectively (p = 0.06). Adjusting for maternal age, gestational age, hypertension, diabetes, cesarean delivery, and fertility treatments, the association proved to be statistically significant (adjusted HR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.01-1.61).Conclusion: Term infants with low 5-min Apgar scores may be at an increased risk for long-term pediatric infectious morbidity.What is Known:• Though not meant to be a prognostic tool for long-term morbidity, studies assessing the correlation between low Apgar score and long-term outcomes were and are being performed, reporting significant associations with many outcomes-such as cerebral palsy (CP), ophthalmic disorders, GI disorders, and several types of malignancies.• Yet, an association between low Apgar scores and future health remains a matter of controversy.What is New:• Our work shows that a low 5-min Apgar score is independently associated with long-term pediatric infection-related hospitalizations among term singleton newborns.

Objective: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) early onset disease is a major cause for neonatal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to determine whether maternal GBS and the associated intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis impacts pediatric long-term respiratory infectious morbidity., Study Design: A population-based cohort study was conducted, during the years 1991-2013, comparing the incidence of hospitalizations due to common respiratory infections (RI) in offspring of mothers with and without GBS. Univariate analysis and a Cox proportional hazard model were used to estimate un-adjusted and adjusted hazard ratios for pediatric RI risk., Results: During the study period, 173,757 term vaginal deliveries took place, of which 2.4% (4252) were diagnosed as GBS + gravidas. In univariate and multivariate analyses for the entire study period, RI risk was increased in exposed offspring. In a sensitivity analysis investigating study periods with different health policies, both GBS diagnosis rates and pediatric infectious respiratory morbidity rates increased over time, but with no independent association between the two., Conclusion: When analyzing large data sets spanning over long time periods, a special attention must be paid to account for healthcare trends, to avoid erroneous conclusions, as demonstrated here.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term pediatric neuropsychiatric morbidity of children born to obese patients., Study Design: A population-based cohort analysis was performed comparing all deliveries of obese (maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index of 30 kg/m 2 or more) and non-obese patients between 1991 and 2014 at a single tertiary medical center. Hospitalizations of the offspring up to the age of 18 years involving neuropsychiatric morbidities were evaluated according to a pre-defined set of ICD-9 codes, including autistic, eating, sleeping and movement disorders, cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, and more. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative hospitalization rate in exposed and unexposed offspring. A Cox regression model was used to control for confounders., Results: During the study period, 242,342 deliveries met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 3290 were children of obese mothers. Hospitalizations involving neuropsychiatric morbidities were higher in children born to obese mothers compared with those born to non-obese mothers (3.95% vs. 3.10%, p < 0.01). Specifically, offspring of obese mothers had higher rates of autism spectrum disorders and psychiatric disorders. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of neuropsychiatric-related hospitalizations in the obese group (Fig. 1, log rank p < 0.05). Using a cox proportional hazard model, controlling for maternal age, preterm labor, maternal diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and birthweight, maternal obesity was found to be independently associated with long-term neuropsychiatric morbidity of the offspring (adjusted HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.47, p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Maternal obesity is an independent risk factor for long-term neuropsychiatric morbidity of the offspring.

Objective: Infants born to mothers with pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios are at an increased risk for significant adverse perinatal outcome. We sought to assess whether in utero exposure to amniotic fluid abnormalities increases the risk of long-term gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity in the offspring., Methods: In a population-based cohort study, the incidence of GI-related hospitalizations was compared between singletons exposed and unexposed to oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991-2014 in a regional tertiary medical center. Offspring GI morbidity was assessed up to the age of 18 years according to a pre-defined set of International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision (ICD-9) codes associated with hospitalization. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative morbidity incidence. A Cox proportional hazard model was performed to control for confounders., Results: During the study period, 186,196 newborns met the inclusion criteria, of which 2.1% (n = 4063) and 3.0% (n = 5684) were born following pregnancies with oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that children exposed to isolated oligohydramnios (but not to polyhydramnios) had higher cumulative incidence of GI morbidity (log-rank test, p = 0.001). In the Cox regression model, controlled for maternal age, gestational age, birth weight, and mode of delivery, isolated oligohydramnios (adjusted HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.04-1.34, p = 0.007), but not polyhydramnios (adjusted HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.91-1.13, p = 0.766), was found to be independently associated with long-term GI morbidity of the offspring., Conclusion: In utero exposure to isolated oligohydramnios is an independent risk factor for long-term GI morbidity in the offspring.

Objective: To assess whether offspring of women following bariatric surgery as well as offspring of obese women are at an increased risk for long-term pediatric endocrine morbidity., Setting: This study was conducted at the university hospital., Methods: A population-based cohort study compared the incidence of long-term (up to the age of 18 years) occurrence of endocrine morbidity between offspring of mothers following bariatric surgery and obese mothers, as compared with parturients without obesity and without prior bariatric surgery., Results: During the study period 220,563 newborns met the inclusion criteria; 1001 were delivered by patients following bariatric surgery, 2275 were delivered by obese women and 217,287 were delivered by normal weight women without prior bariatric surgery. Long-term endocrine morbidity was more common in the bariatric group (2.3%) and the obesity group (1.5%) as compared with the comparison group (0.5%; P < 0.001). Specifically, pediatric obesity was significantly more common in children of mothers following bariatric surgery (1.8%) and of mothers with obesity (1.2%) as compared with the comparison group (0.2%; P < 0.001). Children born to women following bariatric surgery as well as obese women had higher cumulative incidence of pediatric endocrine morbidity (Log rank, P < 0.001). The results remained significant when controlling for maternal factors, adjusted HR 6.25, 95% CI 4.10-9.50; P < 0.001 for women following bariatric surgery and aHR 2.40 95% CI 1.69-3.40; P < 0.001 for obese women., Conclusion: Offspring of women following bariatric surgery as well as those of obese women are at an increased risk for long-term pediatric endocrine morbidity.

Background: Maternal hypothyroidism in pregnancy has been associated with neurocognitive impairment in exposed children, ranging from psychomotor-developmental delay to lower IQ scores., Objective: To investigate the long-term neurological morbidity of children to hypothyroid mothers during pregnancy., Study Design: A population-based cohort study was performed including all deliveries occurring in a period of 20 years at a tertiary medical center. We excluded multiple pregnancies, fetuses with congenital malformations, perinatal mortality cases and women lacking prenatal care from the study. Neurological-related hospitalizations of children (up to 18 years) were evaluated using neurological morbidities that were predefined by ICD-9 codes. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative hospitalization rate in exposed and unexposed children. A Cox regression model was used to control for confounders., Results: During the study period, 217,910 deliveries met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 1.1% (n = 2403) were in mothers with known hypothyroidism during pregnancy. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of neurological-related hospitalizations in the hypothyroidism group (log rank p = 0.007). Total hospitalization rate per person years was significantly higher in the maternal hypothyroidism group (5.5 vs. 3.1, HR =1.37, 95% CI 1.10-1.73, p = 0.007). The Cox regression model controlled for various possible confounders including maternal age, maternal obesity, birth weight, preterm birth, maternal diabetes, hypertensive disorders, induction of labor and mode of delivery, found maternal hypothyroidism to be independently associated with pediatric neurological morbidity in these children (adjusted HR =1.33, 95% CI 1.05-1.68, p = 0.01)., Conclusion: Maternal hypothyroidism in pregnancy is independently associated with long-term pediatric neurological morbidity of the offspring.

The objective of this study is to investigate whether a significant association exists between low 5-min Apgar scores (< 7) and respiratory morbidity of the offspring. A population-based cohort analysis was performed comparing subtypes of respiratory morbidity leading to hospitalizations among children (up to age 18 years) stratified by their 5 min Apgar scores. Data were collected from two databases of a regional tertiary center. All singleton deliveries occurring between 1991 and 2014 were included in the analysis. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was constructed to compare cumulative respiratory-related hospitalization incidence and a Cox proportional hazards model to control for confounders. Deliveries (238,622) met the inclusion criteria. Low 5-min Apgar scores were recorded in 742 (0.3%) newborns. Incidence of respiratory hospitalizations was higher among the low 5 min Apgar score group (7.3 vs. 4.8% in the normal [≥ 7] 5 min Apgar score group; OR = 1.5, 95%CI 1.2-2.0, p = 0.003). Association remained significant in the Cox model (aHR = 1.4, 95%CI 1.1-1.9, p = 0.01). Incidence of respiratory-related hospitalizations in preterm born offspring was higher among the low vs. the normal 5 min Apgar score groups (13.4 vs. 7.2%, OR = 2.0, 95%CI 1.2-3.1 , p = 0.008). Association remained significant in the multivariable analysis (aHR = 1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.5, p = 0.03). The survival curves demonstrated significantly higher cumulative respiratory morbidity in the low Agar score group for the entire cohort and for the preterm born subgroup.Conclusion: Newborns, of any gestational age, with low 5 min Apgar scores appear to be at an increased risk for pediatric respiratory morbidity. What is Known: • Apgar score is a method for assessment of the medical condition of a newborn, and of the need for medical intervention and/or resuscitation. Studies assesing the correlation between low Apgar score and short or long term outcomes report a sgnificant correlation with different outcomes including neurological development and more. As two of its five components (color and respiratory effort) are utilizing the respiratory status, low Apgar scoreis associated with a higher risk for immedisate respiratory morbidity. What is New: • Low Apgar score increases the chances for several long-term respiratory-related morbidities, independent of gestational age and other obstetrical circumstances.

Objective: While placental abruption is often associated with short-term adverse pregnancy outcomes, we sought to assess whether placental abruption increases the risk for long-term cardiovascular morbidity of the offspring., Methods: To study the long-term cardiovascular hospitalizations of offspring of patients with and without placental abruption, cardiovascular morbidity was assessed up to the age of 18 years according to a predefined set of ICD-9 codes associated with hospitalization of the offspring. Our data consist of deliveries which occurred between the years 1991 and 2014 in a tertiary medical center. Pregnancies following fertility treatments, multifetal pregnancies, and pregnancies with offspring with congenital anomalies, lack of prenatal care, and perinatal mortality were excluded from the study. We used Kaplan-Meier curve to compare cumulative morbidity incidence and Cox proportional hazards model to control for confounder., Results: During the study period, we examined 217,910 deliveries, out of which 0.46% (n = 1003) were effected by placental abruption. Compared to normal birth children, children born to mothers with placental abruption did not show a significantly higher cumulative incidence of long-term cardiovascular morbidity (1.0% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.127). Placental abruption was not noted as an independent risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity of offspring in the Cox regression analysis, which adjusted for confounders., Conclusion: Our study does not support the association between placental abruption and risk for long-term cardiovascular morbidity of the offspring.

Purpose: Given the negative impact of prematurity on offspring's health, we sought to determine whether different gestational ages at birth impact differently on the prevalence of childhood infectious urinary morbidity in the offspring., Methods: In this population-based cohort analysis, all singleton deliveries occurring between 1991 and 2014 at a single regional tertiary medical center were included. Gestational age upon delivery was sub-divided into early preterm (< 34 weeks), late preterm (34-36 6/7 weeks), early term (37-38 6/7 weeks), full term (39-40 6/7 weeks), late term (41-41 6/7 weeks) and post-term (> 42 weeks). Congenital malformations were excluded. Rates of infectious urinary morbidity-related hospitalizations of offspring up to age 18 years were assessed using a survival curve and a Cox multivariable model., Results: During the study period, 238,620 deliveries met the inclusion criteria. Urinary-related hospitalization (n = 1395) rates decreased as gestational age increased, from 1.7% in the early preterm group, 0.9% in the late preterm group, 0.6% in the early-term group and only 0.5% in the full, late and post-term groups (p > 0.001; chi-square test for trends). In the Cox model, controlled for maternal age, preterm as well as early-term deliveries exhibited an independent association with pediatric urinary morbidity as compared with full term (early preterm: aHR-3.305, 95% CI 2.4-4.54; late preterm: aHR-1.63, 95% CI 1.33-1.99; early term: aHR-1.26, 95% CI 1.1-1.43, p = 0.01)., Conclusions: Deliveries occurring at preterm and at early term are independently associated with pediatric urinary morbidity in the offspring. This risk decreases as gestational age advances.

Objective: To investigate whether delivery of small for gestational age (SGA) neonate poses a risk for subsequent long-term ophthalmic morbidity., Methods: In this population-based study, all deliveries between 1991 and 2014 were included. Congenital malformations and multiple gestations were excluded from the analysis. Offspring were defined as either SGA (weight below the 5th percentile for gestational age) or non-SGA. Comparison was performed regarding the incidence of long-term ophthalmic morbidity in a cohort of neonates who were born SGA and those who were not. Ophthalmic morbidity was documented during any encounter with the hospital for a period of up to 18 years after delivery. Ophthalmic morbidity included infections of the eye or the adnexa, inflammation of any cause requiring admission, visual disturbances, and other hospital admissions carrying an ICD-9 code of ophthalmic designation. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the adjusted hazards ratio (HR) for ophthalmic morbidity During the study period, 243,682 deliveries met the inclusion criteria, of which 11,290 (4.63%) were defined as SGA., Results: During the follow-up period, SGA neonates had higher rates of ophthalmic-related hospitalizations (1.2% versus 1.0%; OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.46; p = 0.026). In a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for confounders such as maternal age, gestational age at delivery, child birth year, low 5 min Apgar scores (< 7), gestational diabetes, maternal hypertensive disorders, placental abruption and placenta previa, SGA neonate was independently associated with subsequent long-term ophthalmic morbidity (adjusted HR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.02-1.47; p = 0.024)., Conclusion: Delivery of an SGA neonate is an independent risk factor for long-term ophthalmic morbidity.

Children born at early term (37 0/7 to 38 6/7 weeks' gestation) are at an increased risk for long-term respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and developmental morbidities as compared with children born at full term (39 0/7 to 40 6/7 weeks' gestation). In this population-based cohort analysis, we sought to evaluate the long-term hematological morbidity of early-term born children. The cohort consisted of 223,242 term singleton deliveries. Hospitalizations of the offspring up to 18 years of age involving hematological morbidity were evaluated, including hereditary and acquired anemias, immunodeficiency disorders, coagulation disorders, white blood cell disorders, cytopenias, polycythemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Hematological hospitalizations were significantly more common in children delivered at early term as compared with those born at later gestational ages. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of hematological-related hospitalizations in the early-term born group (logrank p < 0.001). Using a Cox regression model, early-term delivery was found to be an independent risk factor for childhood hematological morbidity with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.15 (95%CI 1.01-1.30, p=0.027).Conclusion: Early-term delivery appears to be independently associated with pediatric long-term hematological morbidity of the offspring. What is Known? • It has been shown that children born at early term are at increased risk for short-term adverse outcomes including perinatal mortality. • Early-term infants are also at increased risk for long-term morbidity, mainly respiratory. What is New? • Early-term delivery is also independently associated with long-term hematological morbidity of the offspring.

Maternal morbidity is associated with cesarean deliveries. However, new evidence suggests that short- and long-term neonatal morbidity is also associated. This includes respiratory morbidity with conflicting results. To determine whether mode of delivery has an impact on the long-term risk for respiratory morbidity in the offspring, a population-based cohort analysis was conducted including all singleton term deliveries occurring between 1991 and 2014 at a single tertiary medical center. A comparison was performed between children delivered via elective cesarean delivery (CD) and those delivered vaginally. Multiple gestations and fetuses with congenital malformations were excluded from the analysis as were all cases of urgent CDs. Pediatric hospitalizations involving respiratory morbidity of offspring up to the age of 18 years were evaluated. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative respiratory morbidity incidence and a Cox regression model to control for confounders. During the study period, 132,054 term deliveries met the inclusion criteria; 8.9% were via elective CDs (n = 11,746) and 91.1% (n = 120,308) were vaginal deliveries. Hospitalizations of the offspring involving respiratory morbidity were significantly more common in offspring delivered by CDs (5.2 vs. 4.3% in vaginal deliveries, p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of respiratory morbidity in the elective CD group (log rank p < 0.001). In a Cox proportional hazards model, while controlling for maternal age, gestational age, and birthweight, CD exhibited a significant and independent association with long-term respiratory morbidity of the offspring (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.22 (CI, 1.12-1.33), p < 0.001).Conclusion: Elective cesarean delivery at term is a significant risk factor for long-term pediatric respiratory morbidity of the offspring. What is Known: • Cesarean delivery is a major surgery with known possible complications. • Cesarean delivery has possible immediate complications for the newborn including respiratory complications. What is New: • Our study shows more long term respiratory morbidity in the CD group including asthma and obstructive sleep apnea. • Different possible explanations have been proposed including exposure to maternal flora during vaginal delivery and the stress hormones secreted during contractions and delivery.

Purpose: To investigate whether patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) have an increased risk for future female malignancies., Methods: A retrospective population-based study compared the incidence of long-term female malignancies in a cohort of women with and without a history of RPL (2 or more consecutive pregnancy losses). Deliveries occurred between the years 1988 and 2013, with a mean follow-up duration of 12 years. Women with known malignancies before the index pregnancy were excluded from the analysis. Female malignancies were divided according to specific type including ovary, breast, uterine and uterine cervix. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of malignancies. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for female malignancy after controlling for confounders., Results: During the study period, 106,265 patients met the inclusion criteria; 6.6% (n = 7052) of patients had a diagnosis of RPL. During the follow-up period, patients with RPL had a significantly increased risk of being diagnosed with female malignancies as a group, while individually there was an increased risk of breast and uterine cervix cancer. Using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve, patients with a history of RPL had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of female malignancies. Using a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for confounders such as smoking, parity, and diabetes mellitus, a history of RPL remained independently associated with female malignancies (adjusted HR 1.4; P = 0.003)., Conclusions: RPL is independently associated with long-term female malignancies. Patients with a history of RPL may benefit from counseling and screening for breast and uterine cervix cancer in particular.

Aims: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been increasing worldwide. We aimed to study the effect of GDM on the risk for childhood cardiovascular morbidity of the offspring., Methods: A population-based cohort analysis was performed comparing total and different subtypes of cardiovascular related pediatric diagnoses among offspring of mothers with GDM vs. offspring of mothers with no diabetes. The analysis included all singletons born between the years 1991-2014. Cardiovascular related morbidities included hospitalizations involving a pre-defined set of ICD-9 codes. Mothers with pregestational diabetes, Infants with congenital malformations, multiple gestations, and perinatal deaths were excluded from the analysis. A Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to adjust for confounders., Results: The study population included 216197 newborns which met the inclusion criteria; among them 4.4% (9460) were born to mothers with GDM controlled by diet and exercise (GDM A1) and 0.3% (724) were born to mothers with GDM requiring oral treatment or insulin (GDM A2). A significant association was noted between GDM and the rate of cardiovascular related hospitalizations (0.97 for GDM A2 vs. 0.57 for GDM A1 vs. 0.33 for no GDM, respectively; p < 0.001). The association remained significant and independent for GDM A1 only while adjusting for relevant confounders [adjusted HR = 1.6 (1.2-2.2); p value 0.001]., Conclusions: A significant association is noted between the GDM and the rate of cardiovascular hospitalizations of the offspring. However, in our population GDM A1 is an independent risk factor for pediatric cardiovascular morbidity of the offspring.

Objective: To investigate the association between episiotomy and perineal damage in the subsequent delivery., Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, comparing outcome of subsequent singleton deliveries of women with and without episiotomy in their first (index) delivery. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991-2015 in a tertiary medical center. Traumatic vaginal tears, multiple pregnancies, and cesarean deliveries (CD) in the index pregnancy were excluded from the analysis. Multiple logistic regression models were used to control for confounders., Results: During the study period, 43,066 women met the inclusion criteria; of them, 50.4% (n = 21,711) had subsequent delivery after episiotomy and 49.6% (n = 21,355) had subsequent delivery without episiotomy in the index pregnancy. Patients with episiotomy in the index birth higher rates of subsequent episiotomy (17.5 vs. 3.1%; P < 0.001; OR 1.9; 95% CI). In addition, the rates of the first and second degree perineal tears as well as the third and fourth degree perineal tears were significantly higher in patients following episiotomy (33.6 vs. 17.8%; P < 0.001, and 0.2 vs. 0.1%; P = 0.002, respectively). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference at the rates of CD and instrumental deliveries, between the groups. While adjusting for maternal age, ethnicity, birth weight, and vacuum delivery-the previous episiotomy was noted as an independent risk factor for recurrent episiotomy in the subsequent delivery (adjusted OR 6.7; 95% CI 6.2-7.3, P < 0.001). The results remained significant for term (adjusted OR 6.8; 95% CI 6.2-7.4, P < 0.001) as well as preterm deliveries (adjusted OR 4.5; 95% CI 3.3-6.3, P < 0.001) in two different models., Conclusion: Episiotomy is an independent risk factor for recurrent episiotomy in the subsequent delivery.

In the past several decades, rates of delayed childbearing have increased, and as a result, maternal age has advanced. Our objective was to evaluate whether advanced maternal age is independently associated with an increased risk of childhood cancers in the offspring. A retrospective cohort study of women who delivered between the years 1991 and 2014 was conducted. Elderly parturients (≥ 35 years) were divided into two sub-categories: 35-39 and 40-50 years. The comparison group consisted of parturients aged 20-34 years. All hospitalizations of offspring up to the age of 18 years involving malignant morbidity were compared between the groups. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative malignant morbidity incidence of the offspring. A Weibull regression model was used to control for confounders. During the study period, 201,738 deliveries met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 16.3% (n = 32,804) occurred in mothers aged 35 years or more (35-39 years old n = 26,145, 79.7%; 40-50 years old n = 6659, 20.3%). In the Weibull regression model, advanced maternal age exhibited no association with general malignant morbidity in the offspring up to 18 years of age (mothers aged 35-39: adjusted HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.76-1.48, p = 0.727; mothers aged 40-50: adjusted HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.36-1.46, p = 0.373). For leukemia, the regression model exhibited an independent association in maternal ages of 35-39 (adjusted HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.34-3.69, p = 0.002)., Conclusion: Advanced maternal age does not appear to raise the risk for future malignancy in the offspring up to the age 18 years. The specific nature of the association between maternal age and leukemia of the offspring necessitates further investigation. What is Known: • Advanced maternal age is associated with a marked elevation in the risk of different pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. What is New: • Advanced maternal age does not appear to raise the risk for future malignancy in the offspring up to the age 18 years. • Leukemia of the offspring may be associated with advanced maternal age although the specific nature of the association necessitates further investigation.

Objective: To investigate risk factors and pregnancy outcome of spontaneous vs in-vitro fertilization (IVF) twins complicated with preeclampsia., Study Design: A retrospective population-based cohort study comparing maternal and neonatal outcome in IVF vs spontaneously conceived twins was conducted. Deliveries occurred in a tertiary medical center between the years 1988 and 2010. Women who conceived after ovulation induction and those with chronic hypertension were excluded from the study. Multiple logistic regression models were used to control for confounders., Results: The study population included 4428 twin pregnancies, of these 314 (7.1%) had preeclampsia; 64 (20.3%) were IVF twins and 250 (79.7%) were spontaneous twins. Preeclampsia was more common in IVF compare to spontaneous twins (13.8 vs 7.6%, OR = 1.81, CI = 1.50-2.17, P < 0.001). The mothers of IVF twins were significantly older, and were more likely to be nulliparous. The rate of cesarean delivery was higher among IVF twins. The mean gestational age at delivery and the mean birth weight were significantly lower in IVF twins. While controlling for confounders using a multivariate analysis, IVF was found as an independent risk factor for preterm delivery in twin pregnancies with preeclampsia. However, there was no difference in the perinatal mortality or 5 min Apgar scores < 7 between the two groups., Conclusion: Preeclampsia is more common in IVF twins compared to spontaneous twin pregnancies. IVF twins with preeclampsia are at an increased risk for cesarean delivery, preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Purpose: To investigate whether children born with isolated single umbilical artery (iSUA) at term are at an increased risk for long-term pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory morbidity., Methods: Design: a population-based cohort study compared the incidence of long-term, pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory morbidity in children born with and without iSUA at term., Setting: Soroka University Medical Center., Participants: all singleton pregnancies of women who delivered between 1991 and 2013., Main Outcome Measure(s): hospitalization due to respiratory morbidity., Analyses: Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate cumulative incidence of respiratory morbidity. A Cox hazards model analysis was used to establish an independent association between iSUA and pediatric respiratory morbidity of the offspring while controlling for clinically relevant confounders., Results: The study included 232,281 deliveries. 0.3% were of newborns with iSUA (n = 766). Newborns with iSUA had a significantly higher rate of long-term respiratory morbidity compared to newborns without iSUA (7.6 vs 5.5%, p = 0.01). Using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve, newborns with iSUA had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of respiratory hospitalizations (log rank = 0.006). In the Cox model, while controlling for the maternal age, gestational age, and birthweight, iSUA at term was found to be an independent risk factor for long-term respiratory morbidity (adjusted HR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.81; p = 0.012)., Conclusion: Newborns with iSUA are at an increased risk for long-term respiratory morbidity.

Purpose: To investigate whether patients with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk for long-term ophthalmic morbidity., Methods: Design a population-based study compared the incidence of long-term maternal ophthalmic morbidity in a cohort of women with and without a history of GDM. Setting Soroka University Medical Center., Participants: All singleton pregnancies of women who delivered between 1988 and 2013. Main outcome measure(s) Diagnosis of ophthalmic morbidity. Analyses A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate cumulative incidence of ophthalmic morbidity. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for ophthalmic morbidity., Results: During the study period, 104,751 deliveries met the inclusion criteria; 9.4% (n = 9888) of which occurred in patients with a diagnosis of GDM during at least one of their pregnancies. Patients with GDM had a significantly higher incidence of ophthalmic morbidity such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment compared with controls (0.1 vs. 0.02%, p < 0.001; 0.2 vs. 0.04%, p < 0.001; 0.2 vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients with concurrent GDM and preeclampsia had a significantly higher incidence of total ophthalmic complications compared to patients with GDM only (1 vs. 0.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). Using Kaplan-Meier survival curve, patients with a previous diagnosis of GDM had significantly higher cumulative incidence of ophthalmic morbidity (p < 0.001, log-rank test). In the Cox proportional hazards model, a history of GDM remained independently associated with ophthalmic morbidity (adjusted HR 2.0; 95% CI 1.5-2.8; p < 0.001)., Conclusions: GDM is an independent risk factor for long-term maternal ophthalmic morbidity.

Objective: To address risk factors and perinatal outcomes after vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) due to non-progressive labor (NPL) 2nd stage, and to assess its impact on the subsequent delivery., Methods: A retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted in a tertiary medical center. Maternal characteristics, and maternal and neonatal outcomes of singleton pregnancies that resulted in VAD due to NPL 2nd stage were compared to those that resulted in VAD due to other indications. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed., Results: Out of 202,462 singleton deliveries, 3.4% were delivered using VAD. Of these, 1928 VAD due to NPL 2nd stage and 4985 VAD due to other indications were identified. Independent risk factors for VAD due to NPL 2nd stage were identified: advanced gestational age, pre-eclampsia, and labor induction. VAD due to NPL 2nd stage in the index pregnancy was noted as an independent risk factor for NPL 1st stage and NPL 2nd stage during the subsequent pregnancy., Conclusion: VAD due to NPL 2nd stage results in adverse perinatal outcome in the index and subsequent pregnancies. VAD due to NPL 2nd stage in the index pregnancy is an independent risk factor for NPL 1st stage and NPL 2nd stage during the subsequent pregnancy.

Objective: To investigate whether patients with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased future risk for female malignancies., Study Design: A population-based study compared the incidence of long-term female malignancies (ovary, uterine, breast, and uterine cervix) in a cohort of women with and without a diagnosis of GDM. Deliveries occurred between the years 1988-2013, with a mean follow-up duration of 12 years. Women with known malignancies prior to the index pregnancy were excluded. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate cumulative incidence of malignancies. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for female malignancy., Results: During the study period, 1,04,715 deliveries met the inclusion criteria; 9.4% (n = 9893) occurred in patients with a history of GDM in at least one of their pregnancies. During the follow-up period, patients with GDM had a significantly increased risk of being diagnosed with female malignancies, including ovarian, uterine, and breast cancer. Using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve, patients with a previous diagnosis of GDM had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of female malignancies. Using a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for confounders, such as parity, maternal age, and fertility treatments, a history of GDM remained independently associated with female malignancies (adjusted HR, 1.3; 95% CI 1.2-1.6; P = 0.001)., Conclusion: Patients with a history of GDM have an increased risk for future breast, ovarian, and uterine malignancies.

Purpose: To investigate whether an association exists between preterm delivery and a future risk for female malignancies., Methods: A population-based study compared the incidence of long-term female malignancies in a cohort of women with and without a history of PTD. Deliveries occurred between the years 1988-2013, with a mean follow-up duration of 12 years. We excluded women with known genetic predisposition or malignancies prior to the index pregnancy. Malignancies investigated included ovarian, uterine, breast and cervix. Cumulative incidence was assessed using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for female malignancy., Results: During the study period, 105,033 women met the inclusion criteria; 16.8 % (n = 17,596) of the patients delivered preterm. Patients with a history of PTD did not have an increased risk of later being diagnosed with female malignancies. The results remained insignificant in a sub-analysis based on malignancy type, early PTD, induced vs. spontaneous, and number of episodes per patient. Kaplan-Meier cumulative incidence was similar between the groups, and the adjusted HR was not significant (1.04, 95 % CI 0.88-1.22; p = 0.665)., Conclusion: A history of PTD does not appear to elevate the risk for subsequent long-term female malignancies.

Objective: To examine the course and outcome of deliveries occurring in women who previously experienced shoulder dystocia. In addition, recurrent shoulder dystocia risk factors were assessed., Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis comparing all singleton deliveries with and without shoulder dystocia in their preceding delivery was conducted. Independent predictors of recurrent shoulder dystocia were investigated using a multiple logistic regression model., Results: Of the 201,422 deliveries included in the analysis, 307 occurred in women with a previous shoulder dystocia (0.015 %). Women with a history of shoulder dystocia were more likely to be older, experienced higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus, polyhydramnios, prolonged second stage, operative delivery and macrosomia (>4000 g) in the following delivery. Previous shoulder dystocia was found to be an independent risk factor for recurrent shoulder dystocia (OR = 6.1, 95 % CI 3.2-11.8, p value <0.001) in the multivariable regression analysis., Conclusions: Shoulder dystocia is an independent risk factor for recurrent shoulder dystocia. Deliveries in women with a history of shoulder dystocia are characterized by higher rates of operative delivery, prolonged second stage of labor and macrosomia.

Objective: To determine whether an isolated single umbilical artery (iSUA) is an independent risk factor for perinatal mortality in term neonates with normal estimated fetal weight (EFW) prior to delivery., Method: A population-based study was conducted, including all deliveries occurring between 1993 and 2013, in a tertiary medical center. Pregnancies with and without iSUA were compared. Multiple gestations, chromosomal, and structural abnormalities were excluded from the cohort. Only pregnancies delivered at term with normal EFW evaluated prior to delivery were included. Stratified analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression models to evaluate the risk of adverse outcomes and perinatal mortality for iSUA fetuses., Results: During the study period, 233,123 deliveries occurred at "Soroka" University Medical Center, out of which 786 (0.3 %) were diagnosed with iSUA. Different pregnancy complications were more common with iSUA fetuses including: placental abruption (OR = 3.4), true knot of cord (OR = 3.5) and cord prolapse (OR = 2.8). Induction of labor and cesarean delivery were also more common in these pregnancies (OR = 1.5 and OR = 1.9, respectively). iSUA neonates had lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min (OR = 1.8, OR = 1.9, respectively) compared to the control group and perinatal mortality rates were higher both antenatally (IUFD, OR = 8.1) and postnatally (PPD, OR = 6.1)., Conclusion: iSUA appears to be an independent predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes in term neonates.

Objective: A marked increase in the overall cesarean delivery (CD) rate of twin pregnancies has recently been observed. We sought to examine the obstetrical characteristics of patients who chose a non-indicated CD and to investigate the trends in the rate of CD for maternal request over a 5 years period., Study Design: A cross sectional retrospective study of twin pregnancies, compared obstetrical characteristics between patients who chose a non-indicated CD and those who delivered vaginally. Deliveries occurred during 2006 and 2011 in a regional tertiary medical center. Patients with any indication for a CD were excluded. A multivariate logistic regression was used to control for confounders., Results: 525 twins were included at the study, 61.7 % (n = 324) were delivered by CD. Of these, 28.7 % (n = 93) were non-indicated. Between the years 2006 and 2011, there was a significant decrease in the rate of non-indicated CD (34.9 vs 23.8 %, OR = 0.58, 95 % CI 0.35-0.94, P = 0.02). Deliveries after fertility treatments or a previous CD had a higher rate of non-indicated CD (51.6 vs. 27.4 %, P < 0.001 and 26.9 vs. 3.5 %, P < 0.001; respectively). In the multivariate analysis, maternal age (OR = 1.08, 95 % CI 1.01-1.15), previous CD (OR = 15.75, 95 % CI 5.82-42.67) and fertility treatments (OR = 2.16, 95 % CI 1.14-4.10) were found to be independent risk factors for a non-indicated CD. Furthermore, parity was found to be an independent protective factor (OR = 0.75, 95 % CI 0.61-0.92)., Conclusion: In our study population, there was a significant decrease in the rate of non-indicated CD over a five-year period. Maternal age, fertility treatments and previous CD were found to be independent risk factors for non-indicated CD in twin pregnancies.

Purpose: Immediate neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by placenta previa is largely dependent on gestational age. We aimed to investigate whether placenta previa increases the risk for perinatal mortality and immediate morbidity of the offspring born at term., Methods: A population-based cohort study included all singleton pregnancies, with and without placenta previa, delivered at term. Maternal and pregnancy characteristics as well as immediate neonatal morbidity and mortality were compared. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991-2013 in a tertiary medical center. Multiple pregnancies, and fetal congenital malformations were excluded., Results: During the study period 233,123 consecutive term deliveries met the inclusion criteria; 0.2 % of the babies were born to mothers diagnosed with placenta previa. Women with placenta previa were significantly older and more likely to have had a previous cesarean section. Pregnancies were more likely to be complicated with pathological presentations and cesarean hysterectomies. Babies born at term following pregnancies with placenta previa were more likely to weigh less than 2500 g (OR 2.78 CI 1.9-3.9, p < 0.001). However, 5 min Apgar score and perinatal mortality rates were comparable between the groups. Neonatal outcomes remained comparable between the groups in a sub-analysis of cesarean deliveries only., Conclusion: Although placenta previa pregnancies involve higher maternal morbidity rates, term offsprings are not at an increased risk for immediate adverse outcome.