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ObjectivesTo assess deviations in longitudinally measured cytokines with preterm birth (PTB).MethodsProspective longitudinal study targeting 80 subjects. Phlebotomy specimens for broad panel of cytokine analysis were obtained at three time (T) intervals: first trimester (T1: 8-14 weeks' gestation), second trimester (T2: 18-22 weeks' gestation), and third trimester (T3: 28-32 weeks' gestation). Important demographics and outcomes were tracked. Data were stratified and the target groups were analyzed as follows: "Uncomplicated" (delivered ≥37 weeks) or "Preterm Birth" (

This was a population-based study to determine the impact of COVID-19 on birth outcomes in the Chicago metropolitan area, comparing pre-pandemic (April–September 2019) versus pandemic (April–September 2020) births. Multivariable regression models that adjusted for demographic and neighborhood characteristics were used to estimate the marginal effects of COVID-19 on intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD)/stillbirth, preterm birth, birth hospital designation, and maternal and infant hospital length of stay (LOS). There were no differences in IUFD/stillbirths or preterm births between eras. Commercially insured preterm and term infants were 4.8 percentage points (2.3, 7.4) and 3.4 percentage points (2.5, 4.2) more likely to be born in an academic medical center during the pandemic, while Medicaid-insured preterm and term infants were 3.6 percentage points less likely (−6.5, −0.7) and 1.8 percentage points less likely (−2.8, −0.9) to be born in an academic medical center compared to the pre-pandemic era. Infant LOS decreased from 2.4 to 2.2 days (−0.35, −0.20), maternal LOS for indicated PTBs decreased from 5.6 to 5.0 days (−0.94, −0.19), and term births decreased from 2.5 to 2.3 days (−0.21, −0.17). The pandemic had a significant effect on the location of births that may have exacerbated health inequities that continue into childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess post-partum inflammation for patients delivering prior to 34 6/7 weeks by birth etiology. Methods: This was an observational study of early preterm birth (PTB) occurring between 20 0/7 and 34 6/7 weeks of gestation. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured 1 month post-partum. CRP measurements were compared by birth etiology. Results: A total of 399 women were analyzed. Distribution of birth etiology was 35% (n = 138) preterm labor (PTL), 28% (n = 115) preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM), and 37% (n = 141) indicated preterm birth (IPTB). Serum CRP varied by birth etiology (P = 0.036). Women with pPROM had elevated median CRP levels compared to women with PTL (P = 0.037). IPTB demonstrated elevated CRP levels when compared to PTL (P = 0.019). Pre-eclamptic/eclamptic subjects exhibited increased median CRP levels compared to PTL (P = 0.04). Conclusion: Post-partum inflammation varies by birth etiology. Such variation may serve as identification of subjects whose future pregnancies and, ultimately, overall health status may benefit from inter-pregnancy interventions aimed at reducing inflammatory-associated risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]