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Background and Objective: Cardiovascular deaths usually occur in older pregnancies and arrhythmia is the third most common cause. Our study aimed to determine whether the risk of arrhythmia increases in pregnancy with advanced age. Methods: In total, 280 pregnant women, of whom 98 were of advanced age and 182 were under 35 years of age were included in the study. The risk of arrhythmia was evaluated by calculating the electrocardiographic P-wave duration, QT interval, T peak-to-end interval, and the Tp-e/QT ratio. Results: Although there were no differences in the Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio between the groups, the maximum QTc, minimum QTc, and QTc dispersion values were significantly higher in advanced-age pregnancies compared to the control group. In addition, the P dispersion was greater in advanced-age pregnancies. In correlation analysis, the increased dispersion of QTc and P were positively correlated with maternal age. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that QTc dispersion was independently associated with maternal age. Conclusion: Repolarization parameters increase in advanced-age pregnancies even though they remain in the normal range, which should lead to an investigation of whether this is a pathological condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While several studies have demonstrated the increased risk of pregnancy complications for women of advanced age, few studies have focused on women with very advanced age (≥ 45), despite the increasing rate of pregnancy among such women. Furthermore, how such risks of increase in age differ by maternal characteristics are also poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to clarify pregnant outcomes among women with very advanced age and how the effect of age differs by method of conception and parity. Methods: We used the national multicenter Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology perinatal database, including 365,417 women aged 30 years or older who delivered a singleton between 2005 and 2011. We divided women into four groups based on age (years): 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, and ≥45, and compared risk of adverse birth outcomes between the groups using Poisson regression. Effect modification by parity and use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) was also evaluated. Results: Compared with women aged 30-34 years, women aged 45 or older had higher risk of emergency cesarean delivery [adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.77, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.58-1.99], preeclampsia (aRR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.43-2.42), severe preeclampsia (aRR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.31-3.13), placenta previa (aRR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.60--2.95), and preterm birth (aRR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.39). The effect of older age on risk of emergency cesarean section, preeclampsia, and preterm birth were significantly greater among those who conceived naturally compared to those who conceived by ART. The effect on emergency cesarean section was stronger among primiparous women, whereas the risk of preeclampsia associated with older age was significantly greater among multiparous women. Conclusions: Very advanced maternal age (≥ 45) was related to greater risk for adverse birth outcomes compared to younger women, especially for maternal complications including cesarean section, preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, and placenta previa. The magnitude of the influence of age also differed by conception method and by parity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the Postponing Parenthood project was to investigate several aspects of the delaying of childbearing phenomenon in Sweden and Norway, such as medical risks and parental experiences. Data were retrieved from the Swedish and Norwegian Medical Birth Registers and three different cohorts: the Swedish Young Adult Panel Study, the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort, and the Swedish Women’s Experiences of Childbirth cohort. Postponing childbirth to age 35 years and later increased the risk of rare but serious pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirth and very preterm birth. Older first-time parents were slightly more anxious during pregnancy, and childbirth overall was experienced as more difficult, compared with younger age groups. First-time mothers’ satisfaction with life decreased from about age 28 years, both when measured during pregnancy and early parenthood. Delaying parenthood to mid-30 or later was more related to lifestyle than socioeconomic factors, suggesting that much could be done in terms of informing young persons about the limitations of fertility and assisted reproductive techniques, and the risks associated with advanced parental age. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Study Objective An association between rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP; occurring within a birth interval of up to 24 months) and undesirable obstetric and perinatal outcomes has been shown, especially among adolescents and women without adequate schooling. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the interaction between maternal schooling and age on the incidence of RRP. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome Measures A nonconcurrent cohort study was carried out using probabilistic record linkage techniques. The 59,400 linked records of singleton live-born infants delivered in 2002 whose mothers were up to 29 years old and lived in Rio de Janeiro City were evaluated. Results Compared with young adults with adequate schooling, the adjusted risk ratio for RRP for adolescents with inadequate schooling was 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.8-2.4). The attributable proportion was 0.16 (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.29). Conclusion Young maternal age and inadequate schooling interact, increasing RRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure performed during pregnancy to determine, among other things, whether the fetus has Down syndrome. It is often preceded by screening, which gives a probabilistic risk assessment. Thus, ample information is conveyed to women with the goal to inform their decisions. This study examined the factors that predict amniocentesis uptake among pregnant women of advanced maternal age (older than 35 years old at the time of childbirth). Participants filled out a questionnaire regarding risk estimates, demographics, and attitudes on screening and pregnancy termination before their first genetic counseling appointment and were followed up to 24 weeks of gestation. Findings show that women's decisions are not always informed by screening results or having a medical indication. Psychological factors measured at the beginning of pregnancy: amniocentesis risk tolerance, pregnancy termination tolerance, and age risk perception affected amniocentesis uptake. Although most women thought that screening for Down syndrome risk would inform their decision, they later stated other reasons for screening, such as preparing for the possibility of a child with special needs. Findings suggest that women's decisions regarding amniocentesis are driven not only by medical factors, but also by a priori attitudes. The authors believe that these should be addressed in the dialogue on women's informed use of prenatal tests. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To determine whether Aβ40 levels in the follicular fluid (FF) of infertile women undergoing IVF demonstrate a relationship with IVF cycle parameters and outcome. Methods: FF Aβ40 levels were compared between patients achieving ongoing pregnancy and those with unsuccessful cycles. Clinical data such as ongoing pregnancy rate, implantation rate, number of oocytes retrieved, number of 8 cells embryos with ≤5 % fragmants, ratio of 8 cells embryos with ≤5 % fragmants to total embryos per patient and cleavage rate were compared among three percentile groups of Aβ40. CCK-8 method was used to measure the effect of Aβ40 on rat granulosa cells proliferation in vitro. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of steroidogenesis related genes. Results: Patients achieving ongoing pregnancy ( n = 26; 50.98 %) demonstrated significantly higher FF Aβ40 levels compared to those with unsuccessful cycles ( n = 25; 49.02 %; P = 0.024). No significant differences were observed in APP (amyloid precursor protein) and its other proteolysis products including sAPPα, sAPPβand Aβ 42 between the two groups. Statistically significant differences between the three percentile groups of Aβ 40 were observed only in the implantation rates and ongoing pregnancy rates. There were no statistically significant differences between the three percentile groups in the age, No. oocytes retrieved, No. 2 pronucleus, No. embryos transferred, No. 8 cells embryos with ≤5 % fragmants and cleavage rate. Significantly negative correlation exists between APP and AFC (antral follicle count) (R =−0.360, P = 0.005) and oocytes retrieved (R =−0.378, P = 0.004). There were also significantly positive correlations between Aβ40 and Aβ42 (R = 0.407, P = 0.000), between AFC and oocytes retrieved (R = 0.476, P = 0.000). Rat granulosa cells treated with Aβ40 of different concentrations have improved their proliferative ability. Cells treated with 200 pg/ml Aβ40 have the strongest ability of proliferation. 200 pg/ml Aβ40 enhanced the expression of key molecules during steroidogenesis such as IGF-1,IGF-1receptor (IGF-1R),FSH receptor (FSHR),P450 aromatase (P450arom),steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochromes P450(P450scc). Conclusions: Aβ40 levels in follicle fluid may be associated with ongoing pregnancy and the moderate expression level of Aβ40 is important for oocytes and embryos development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background The aim of this study was to determine antibody titres against Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia in a population-based cohort of pregnant women in Denmark in order to evaluate adverse pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage, preterm birth, and small for gestational age) in relation to occupational exposure to animals in women exposed to food producing animals. Methods We used data and blood samples from the Danish National Birth Cohort. Serum samples collected during the first trimester from 192 pregnant women who were occupationally exposed to domestic animals and 188 randomly selected unexposed pregnant women were analysed for IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies against Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia. Pregnancy outcomes of interest were identified through the Danish National Patient Register. Results Women with occupational exposure to animals had significantly higher IgG antibody concentrations against Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia, whereas they had lower concentrations of IgM and IgA antibodies. Conclusions Serological markers were not identified as risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with the exception of elevated concentrations of Salmonella antibodies, which were found to be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Nearly 20% of all confirmed pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion. Misoprostol's use in early pregnancy failure is varied and dose and route are not well established. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and the side effects of different regimes of misoprostol in causing expulsion of products of conception in early pregnancy failure. Method Women patients with an ultrasound diagnosis of early pregnancy failure, less than 12 weeks gestation were divided into two, Group-A: tab. Misoprostol 800 mcg 6 hourly vaginally, upto 3 doses. Group-B tablet misoprostol 600 mcg 6 hourly, sublingually for 3 doses. All observations were noted and statistical analyzed. Results Mean gestational age was 7.93 weeks. Mean induction abortion interval 18.183 h. Women patients with less than six weeks gestational age had least mean induction-abortion interval time, 15.75 ± 2.82 h in vaginal group but was highest in sublingual group 22 ± 2 h and 18.43 h in overall ( P = 0.02). Though after 8 weeks, both routes were equally effective. Mean dose required in group-A was 20044 mcg and in group-B was 1564 mcg ( P < 0.001). Efficacy of protocol was 88.89% in group-A and 92.85% in group-B. Conclusion Both regimes had comparable efficacy, acceptability (90%) and side effects. In women patients less than six weeks period of gestation, the vaginal (800 mcg) route was distinctly superior, in women patients with 6–8 weeks the sublingual (600 mcg) route was more advantageous. The correct dose must be used for the route chosen. The route of administration should be decided in accordance with the preference of the patient and the clinical situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study whose objectives were to delineate sociodemographic and gestational profile, to assess the subjective wellbeing (SWB) and to relate the indicators of SWB with the variables age, education and income. The study included 80 low-income with 35 or more years old (late-age pregnant women). The research tools were structured questionnaire and the subjective well-being scale. Data are presented as correlation and descriptive analysis according to the nature of the variables. The majority of pregnant women lives with a partner and has no personal income. They are housewives and did not plan the pregnancy; the subjective well-being index was equivalent values to the mean for each indicator (positive emotions, negative emotions and life satisfaction), while significant correlations were weak. The conclusion is that low scholarship and low familiar income were variables associated to the life satisfaction in the assessed pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female fertility declines dramatically with age, and childbearing at older maternal ages has significant medical consequences for mother and infant that are well-known to health professionals. Despite this, the average maternal age in the United States continues to rise. Many factors likely contribute to this secular trend; to date, no research has examined whether American women are aware of the complications of deferring conception and how this correlates with health literacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate women's knowledge of the implications of delaying pregnancy. A structured, in-person interview was administered to 300 women between 20 and 50 years of age attending 1 of 2 gynecologic clinics at a single institution. Demographic information, medical history, and gynecologic history were obtained; and participants answered questions about the implications of aging for fertility and pregnancy outcome. Health literacy and numeracy were assessed. Participants demonstrated knowledge deficits about the implications of aging on fertility and pregnancy, and many were unfamiliar with success rates of infertility treatments. Several demographic factors correlated with knowledge; health literacy and numeracy were both important predictive variables. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study of women's knowledge about fertility, aging, and their health literacy. Awareness of the importance of health literacy and numeracy should inform future educational efforts about fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Ginecología y Obstetricia de México is the property of Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Estudos Feministas is the property of Revista Estudos Feministas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The influence of paternal age on clinical pregnancy was examined within younger patients undergoing donor insemination (DI) cycles in Western Australia. A retrospective analysis of 2142 DI cycles was carried out, including only women <40 years with no history of fertility problems. Logistic regression analysis was used to relate donor age to clinical pregnancy rate. Proportional hazards regression analysis was used to relate male age to time to pregnancy. Mediation analysis was conducted to adjust for influence of sperm concentration and motility. Analysis was controlled for female age, luteal-phase progesterone support and insemination year. There was no effect of female age on pregnancy rate or time to pregnancy. Older males (age ≥45 years) were significantly associated with a reduced pregnancy rate and longer time to pregnancy. Mediation analysis indicated that sperm concentration and motility did not fully account for the effect of male age on pregnancy. This study reveals an adverse effect of male age on clinical pregnancy in women <40 years of age that is not solely mediated by decreased sperm concentration or motility. This has implications for recruitment systems that attract older donors such as open-identity systems, which may benefit from actively recruiting younger donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Poland, about 2,500 women die from ovarian cancer every year. Over 80% of new cases are recorded in patients over 50 years of age. Early symptoms of ovarian cancer are often unclear and similar to those observed in other benign ovarian changes. That is why most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, therefore ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality in women. In the diagnosis of adnexal masses and the differentiation of malignant and benign tumors, the clinical examination, family history, biochemical markers and ultrasound diagnosis are generally used. Developing methods that facilitate identifying women with ovarian cancer may play a significant role in improving the survival of patients. Using a combined evaluation of CA-125 and HE4 levels, the ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) algorithm was created to estimate the probability of malignant epithelial ovarian cancer. Moreover, new ultrasound-based algorithms have been developed - Simple Rules and Subjective Assessment, which significantly enhanced both the sensitivity and specificity in detecting malignant adnexal masses. The research of IOTA experts showed that about 8% of ovarian tumors are very difficult to differentiate before surgery, even with the use of the latest modern sonographic and biochemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ginecología y Obstetricia de México is the property of Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ginecología y Obstetricia de México is the property of Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to the recent media attention on postmenopausal women giving birth, there has been an increased scrutiny on the utility and safety of assisted reproductive technology in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss the following: 1) the limitations and complications of ART in women of advanced reproductive age; 2) the balance between the welfare of the mother and that of the child; 3) the double standards of advanced reproductive age; and 4) the importance of financial and social support systems and preconception counseling with advanced reproductive age. When providing in-vitro fertilization services to women of advanced reproductive age, special considerations must be given to ensure the welfare of mother and the child and that the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence are guaranteed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older parenthood raises a variety of important factual and ethical questions. None of the questions have received sufficient attention despite the rapid expansion in the United States and other nations in the numbers of older parents. We do not know much about the safety, economic, and psychosocial impact of these emerging practices on children or parents. Nor have there been many analytical considerations of the ethical issues raised. We argue in this article that there are reasons for concern when older persons seek to utilize fertility treatments, including the safety of pregnancy for older women, risks posed to children delivered by older mothers, issues around what constitutes safe conditions for having a child relative to the age of parents, and the importance of guaranteeing that someone will serve in the parental role should an older parent or parents become disabled or die. To protect the best interest of children created by technology in new familial circumstances, internationally recognized and enforced standards for fertility clinics to follow ought to be enacted in making decisions about treating older parents seeking infertility services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first twin pregnancy and birth in India after the transfer of embryos generated from vitrified and thawed oocytes to a 41-year-old woman who was in a donor program. Embryos were generated from the microinjection of pre-prepared sperms into vitrified oocytes. Twin male babies weighing 750 and 860 g were born by emergency cesarean section. Vitrification is one of the most promising options in cryopreservation and preservation of embryos and oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It has been widely documented that advanced maternal age constitutes a risk to both mother and child. The purpose of this review is to examine the risks posed to the pregnant mother over the age of 44 and determine if they are experienced in greater frequency than in their younger cohorts. A review of the recent literature demonstrates a significant increased incidence of cesarean section, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and perinatal mortality. There also appears to be different rates of maternal complications depending on mode of conception with assisted reproductive technology conferring a higher risk in this population. Further study is recommended in mode of conception and parity to examine the effects on maternal and fetal risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a research on early education and the effects on planning late-life pregnancies. The social trends and the implications of late-life pregnancies is given where previous studies show a trend for couples postponing childbirth into their late 30s but it also shows a decline in the fertility with age. It also states that delaying pregnancy to later life offers more risk of infertility and high risk on the pregnancy. It also discusses in vitro fertilization (IVF) method and its psychological aspects to couples. It concludes that women can use new techniques to promote fertility and it also discusses concerns on pregnancy which does not apply to young mothers like infertility, medical and obstetric problems and birth defects.

Objective: Despite technical progress in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedure, embryo implantation rate remains low. Assisted hatching has been proposed to facilitate natural embryo hatching and implantation. Patients and methods: Our study has evaluated whether laser assisted hatching improves implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates in different cases. We studied retrospectively 143 IVF cycles concerning more than 38 years old women, 166 IVF cycles after two previous implantation failures and 180 frozen-thawed embryo transfers. Results: Population characteristics were comparable in hatched and control groups. Implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates in women more than 38 years old were comparable with or without assisted hatching. Concerning repeated implantation failures, even if implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates were higher in assisted hatching group (FIV or ICSI), the differences were not significant. After frozen-thawed embryo transfers, implantation rate was significantly better with assisted hatching (19.14% vs 8.84% [p =0.02]). Discussion and conclusion: Assisted hatching improves embryo implantation rate after frozen-thawed embryo transfer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a result of temporary social trends, many women elect to postpone their first pregnancy to a later stage in life. A large part of this population will be infertile by the time they opt to conceive, mainly because of a decreasing ovarian reserve and low oocyte quality resulting from age. Aging oocytes have been widely suggested to be the major cause for the decline in fertility. In a subfertile population, the availability of an accurate screening test of ovarian reserve would provide a valuable means of predicting the chances of pregnancy and live birth with or without treatment and selecting an optimal dose of ovarian stimulation where treatment using ovarian stimulation is planned. The following hormonal markers and ultrasound parameters have been used to attempt to estimate ovarian reserve and predict those with a poor chance of success in assisted reproductive techniques: age; concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, inhibin, anti-Müllerian hormone; ovarian volume, ovarian antral follicle count; and ovarian biopsy. Further studies have introduced the use of dynamic tests—using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, FSH, or clomiphene citrate—to assess ovarian function. The use of a wide range of tests suggests that no single test provides a sufficiently accurate result. But the simultaneous evaluation of a combination of tests could be used as a marker of diminished ovarian reserve and a sensitive predictor of response to ovarian stimulation in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the reproductive risk factors of osteoporosis in women over the age of 50 years in north of Iran. Extensive differences in the epidemiological pattern of osteoporosis on the basis of geographical and ethnic grouping have been reported. Previous studies addressing these issues in Iran are very limited. Materials and Methods: This survey is a population-based study of the women over 50 years of age in the north of Iran in 2004. All recruited subjects were interviewed by purpose-trained interviewers using structured questionnaires including demographic variables, reproductive and medication history. Diagnosis of osteoporosis was based on ultrasonography and the positive cases were confirmed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Statistical analyses were performed using c2 test, t-test, and analysis of variance. The adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported by multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Of the 796 women who participated in this study, 147 women (18.5%) were identified as having osteoporosis. Significant correlations were found between osteoporosis and parameters of age, age at menarche, parity, years of menstruation, educational level, job, physical activity, exercise, body mass index (BMI), usage of oral contraceptive pills and menopausal status. After adjusting for variables, the age of 70 years or more and the passage of more than 15 years since menopause were identified as significant risk factors for osteoporosis (OR=2.76 and 1.83, respectively). In comparison to being a 'housewife', having a job and physical activity of more than 3 hours a week and a body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 were identified as protectors against osteoporosis. Discussion: In spite of the low incidence of smoking and alcohol intake in our population as risk factors of osteoporosis, the prevalence of this worldwide public health problem is high in the north of Iran. These findings should help to identify women at risk and to design an early strategy based on eliminating modifiable risks for prevention of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnancy rates in women of advanced maternal age undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) are disappointingly low. It has been suggested that the use of preimplantation genetic screening of cleavage-stage embryos for aneuploidies may improve the effectiveness of IVF in these women. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial comparing three cycles of IVF with and without preimplantation genetic screening in women 35 through 41 years of age. The primary outcome measure was ongoing pregnancy at 12 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcome measures were biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth. Results: Four hundred eight women (206 assigned to preimplantation genetic screening and 202 assigned to the control group) underwent 836 cycles of IVF (434 cycles with and 402 cycles without preimplantation genetic screening). The ongoing-pregnancy rate was significantly lower in the women assigned to preimplantation genetic screening (52 of 206 women [25%]) than in those not assigned to preimplantation genetic screening (74 of 202 women [37%]; rate ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51 to 0.93). The women assigned to preimplantation genetic screening also had a significantly lower live-birth rate (49 of 206 women [24%] vs. 71 of 202 women [35%]; rate ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.92). Conclusions: Preimplantation genetic screening did not increase but instead significantly reduced the rates of ongoing pregnancies and live births after IVF in women of advanced maternal age. (Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN76355836.) N Engl J Med 2007;357:9-17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To investigate differences in body composition between adolescent girls and mature women during pregnancy and the relationship to newborn anthropometry.Design:A prospective study.Setting:The antenatal clinic at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.Subjects:Four hundred and twenty-five women were invited to join the study. Three hundred and sixty-one women (84.9%) completed the study.Interventions:Study participants were divided into two groups: adolescents and mature women, who were all less than 15 weeks pregnant and had no systemic illness at the time of entry into the study. A questionnaire was administered which retrieved information on demographics, age, marital status, menstrual history, parity, socio-economic status, medical history and smoking/drinking habits. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds, as well as blood pressure measurements and urine analysis were performed at the first antenatal visit and repeated at 15, 25 and 35 weeks gestation. Anthropometric measurements of the newborn were performed at birth.Results:There were significant differences between anthropometry and skinfold thickness at the first antenatal visit between the adolescents and the mature women where the adolescents had lower measurements compared to the mature women. In the newborn anthropometry, the only significant difference seen was in the triceps skinfold thickness and the mid-upper arm circumference where the newborn of the adolescents had significantly smaller values (P=0.04; P=0.02, respectively). The percentage fat, fat mass and lean body mass were significantly lower in the adolescent compared to the mature women (P<0.0001), both at the first antenatal visit and at 35 weeks gestation. A greater gain was seen in these measurements throughout the pregnancy in the adolescents (P<0.0001). Linear regression analyses showed that the gain in lean body mass was the most important predictor of birth anthropometry.Conclusion:Body composition differs in pregnancy between adolescents and mature woman, and if adequate weight and lean body mass are attained, it impacts positively on birth size irrespective of age.Sponsorship:This study was supported by a grant from the Caribbean Health Research Council, 25A Warner Street, St Augustine, Trinidad, West Indies.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) 61, 47–53. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602484; published online 12 July 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of maternal age on obstetric outcomes. METHODS: A prospective database from a multicenter investigation of singletons, the FASTER trial, was studied. Subjects were divided into 3 age groups: 1) less than 35 years, 2) 35-39 years, and 3) 40 years and older. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of age on outcomes after adjusting for race, parity, body mass index, education, marital status, smoking, medical history, use of assisted conception, and patient's study site. RESULTS: A total of 36,056 women with complete data were available: 28,398 (79%) less than 35 years of age; 6,294 (17%) 35–39 years; and 1,364 (4%) 40 years and older. Increasing age was significantly associated with miscarriage (adjusted adds ratio [adjOR]2.0 and 2.4 for ages 35–39 years and age 40 years and older, respectively), chromosomal abnormalities (adjOR 4.0 and 9.9), congenital anomalies (adjOR 1.4 and 1.7), gestational diabetes (adjOR 1.8 and 2.4), placenta previa (adjOR 1.8 and 2.8), and cesarean delivery (adjOR 1.6 and 2.0). Patients aged 35–39 years were at increased risk for macrosomia (adjOR 1.4). Increased risk for abruption (adjOR 2.3), preterm delivery (adjOR 1.4), low birth weight (adjOR 1.6), and perinatal mortality (adjOR 2.2) was noted in women aged 40 years and older. CONCLUSION: Increasing maternal age is independently associated with specific adverse pregnancy outcomes. Increasing age is a continuum rather than a threshold effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of cases with supernumerary marker chromosomes (SMC) have been described with uniparental disomy. Researchers report here the fourth pregnancy of a 35-year-old Caucasian woman and her 48-year-old husband. At week 17 of the actual pregnancy, an amniocentesis was performed due to the advanced maternal age. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using commercially available diagnostic probes revealed each of the two signals for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, and X and no signal for the Y chromosome. However, in conventional G-banded karyotyping mosaicism for a tiny SMC was found. A poorly defined chromosomal origin of the SMC, was investigated by a step-by-step application of various FISH approaches, initially M-FISH was employed to exclude euchromatic material, this was followed by attempting to define the chromosomal origin of the SMC with the AcroM-FISH, and finally the determination of the SMC with specific centromeric probes for chromosome 14/22 and 22.

Context: As a result of oocyte donation, women in their sixth decade of life are now able to conceive and carry pregnancies to term. However, little is known about pregnancy outcomes in this population. Objective: To describe pregnancy outcomes in women aged 50 years or older who conceived after in vitro fertilization with donor oocytes. Design and Setting: Retrospective analysis of cycles conducted at a US university assisted reproduction program during calendar years 1991-2001. Patients: Seventy-seven postmenopausal women with no chronic medical conditions (mean [SD] age, 52.8 [2.9] years; range, 50-63 years) who underwent 121 embryo transfer procedures (89 fresh and 32 frozen). Pregnancy outcomes were ascertained by chart review and telephone follow-up. Main Outcome Measures: Maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: There were 55 clinical pregnancies for a total pregnancy rate of 45.5%. The live birth rate was 37.2%. Of the 45 live births, 31 were singletons, 12 were twins, and 2 were triplets, for which the mean (SD) gestational ages at delivery were 38.4 (2.1) weeks, 35.8 (2.8) weeks, and 32.2 weeks, respectively. Mean (SD) birth weights were 3039 g (703 g), 2254 g (581 g), and 1913 g, respectively. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were 8.2 (0.9) and 9.1 (0.5), respectively. Of singletons, 68% were delivered by cesarean, and all multiples were delivered by cesarean. Mild preeclampsia was noted in 25% of patients and severe preeclampsia in 10%. Gestational diabetes required diet modification in 17.5%, and 2.5% required insulin. Conclusions: Appropriately screened women aged 50 years or older can successfully conceive via oocyte donation and experience similar pregnancy rates, multiple gestation rates, and spontaneous abortion rates as younger recipients. During pregnancy, they appear at increased risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. A majority can expect to deliver via cesarean. However, there does not appear to be any definitive medical reason for... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the effect of basal uterine perfusion on the pregnancy rates of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in older women. Effect of advancing age on the outcome of assisted conception cycles; Factors influencing successful assisted conception; Hormones affecting the results of in vitro fertilization.