Mindfulness, Self-Compassion and Psychological Distress in Pregnant Women

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S484-S485
Author(s):  
S. Xavier ◽  
J. Azevedo ◽  
E. Bento ◽  
M. Marques ◽  
M. Soares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Good Evidence ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Acting With Awareness ◽  
Intervention Trials ◽  
In Pregnancy

IntroductionAnxiety, depression, and stress in pregnancy are risk factors for adverse outcomes for mothers and children (Glover, 2014). There is good evidence showing a decrease in psychological distress when pregnant women participate in interventions comprising mindfulness and self-compassion practices (Dunn et al., 2012). However, there are few studies on the relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion and psychological distress variables in pregnancy, without being within the scope of intervention trials (Cohen, 2010; Zoeterman, 2014).ObjectiveTo explore the association between mindfulness, self-compassion and psychological distress/PD in pregnant women.MethodsFour hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women (mean age: 32.56 ± 4.785 years) in their second trimester of pregnancy (17.34 ± 4.790 weeks of gestation) completed the Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire-10 (FMQ-10; Azevedo et al., 2015; to evaluate Non-udging of experience/NJ, acting with awareness/AA and observing and describing), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS; Bento et al., 2015; to evaluate self-kindness/SK, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness and over-identification) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21; Xavier et al., 2015). Only variables significantly correlated with the outcomes (Total DASS-21, Stress, Anxiety and Depression) were entered in the multiple regression models.ResultsFMQ-10 and SCS Total scores were both significant predictors of DASS-21 (B = –.335,–.296). Stress predictors were NJ, AA, SK and isolation (B = –.164;–.196;–.087; .353); Anxiety predictors were NJ, SK and isolation (B = –.198;–.124; .268); depression predictors were NJ, SK and Isolation (B = –.277;–.128; .232) (all P < .01).ConclusionsMindfulness and self-compassion dimensions, particularly non-udging of experience and self-Kindness are protective for PD in pregnancy. Isolation is a correlate of PD in pregnancy.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Self-compassion and insomnia at pregnancy

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s268-s268 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Marques ◽  
A.T. Pereira ◽  
V. Freitas ◽  
E. Bento ◽  
J. Azevedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
The Self ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Compassion Scale ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms ◽  
In Pregnancy

IntroductionMindfulness based programs during pregnancy (some including self-compassion components) increase self-compassion, mindfulness and maternal self-efficacy, and reduce anxiety, stress and psychological distress in pregnant women. According to our knowledge, there are no studies about the association between self-compassion and sleep outcomes in pregnancy.ObjectiveTo explore differences in self-compassion, between three sleep groups, in a sample of Portuguese pregnant women.MethodsFour hundred and nineteen pregnant women (mean age: 32.51 ± 4.759; weeks of gestation: 17.32 ± 4.803) completed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS, Bento et al., 2015), presenting six dimensions (self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness and over-identification) and the Insomnia Assessment Scale (Marques et al., 2015). Three sleep groups were formed: good sleepers (no insomnia symptoms; no associated daily impairment); insomnia symptoms groups (one/more insomnia symptoms; no associated daily impairment); insomniacs (one/more insomnia symptoms; daily associated impairment).ResultsThere were significant differences in the total SCS, self-judgment, isolation and over-identification scores, between sleep groups [respectively, F (2,396) = 7,926, P ≤ 0,001; F (2,409) = 19,155, P ≤ 0,001; F (2,410) = 13,016, P ≤ 0,001; F (2,412) = 11,258, P ≤ 0,001]. Self-judgement, isolation and over-identification scores of good sleepers and insomnia symptoms group were higher than of insomniacs. Total SCS score of good sleepers was higher than of insomniacs and the same score of symptoms of insomnia group was also higher than of insomniacs.ConclusionsResults seem to show the importance of developing self-compassion to improve sleep in pregnancy or reduce the impact of insomnia symptoms (common at pregnancy).Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Mindfulness, Self-compassion And Depressive Symptoms In Pregnant Women

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S420-S420 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.T. Pereira ◽  
S. Xavier ◽  
E. Bento ◽  
J. Azevedo ◽  
M. Marques ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Child Outcomes ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Antenatal Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Acting With Awareness ◽  
In Pregnancy

IntroductionDepressive symptoms in pregnancy are risk factors for postpartum depression and associated to adverse child outcomes (Glover, 2014). Depressive symptoms decreases after participation in mindfulness and self-compassion based interventions for pregnant women (e.g. Goodman et al., 2014). However, apart from intervention trials, there are not studies on the relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion and depressive symptoms in pregnancy (Zoeterman, 2014).ObjectiveTo explore the association between mindfulness, self-compassion and depressive symptoms in pregnant women.MethodsFour hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women (mean age: 32.56 ± 4.785 years) in their second trimester of pregnancy completed a set of self-report questionnaires validated for pregnancy: Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire-10 ([FMQ-10]; Azevedo et al., 2015; to evaluate Nonjudging of experience/NJ, acting with awareness (AA) and observing and describing (OD), Self-Compassion Scale ([SCS]; Bento et al., 2015; to evaluate self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity [CH], isolation, mindfulness and over-identification [OD]) and Postpartum Depression Screening Scale-24 (PDSS-24; Pereira et al., 2013). Only variables significantly correlated with the outcomes were entered in the multiple regression models.ResultsFMQ-10 and SCS Total scores were both significant predictors of PDSS-24 (B = –0.294,–0.272). Derealization and failure predictors were NJ and Isolation (B = –0.234; 0.384); Suicidal ideation predictor was NJ, OD and isolation (B = –0.152;–0.115; 0.334); concentration difficulties and anxiety predictors were isolation and CH (B = 0.296;–0.201); Sleep difficulties predictors were AA and isolation (B = –0.199; 0.248) (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsMindfulness and self-Ccompassion dimensions, particularly nonjudging of experience, acting with awareness, observing and describing are protective correlates of antenatal depressive symptoms. Isolation is a correlate of PD in pregnancy.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Mindfulness and insomnia at pregnancy

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s269-s269
Author(s):  
M. Marques ◽  
A.T. Pereira ◽  
E. Bento ◽  
S. Xavier ◽  
J. Azevedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Inner Experience ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Acting With Awareness ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms ◽  
In Pregnancy

IntroductionThe impact of mindfulness in improving insomnia symptoms is documented in different samples (e.g. anxiety disorders; insomnia samples) and mindfulness based programs for pregnancy refer the association between mindfulness development and the reduction of insomnia symptoms/improvement of sleep.ObjectiveTo explore differences in the Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire-10 (FMQ-10; Azevedo et at. 2015), between sleep groups, in Portuguese pregnant women.MethodsFour hundred and nineteen pregnant women (mean age: 32.51 ± 4.759; weeks of gestation: 17.32 ± 4.803) answered the Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire-10 and the Insomnia Assessment Scale (IAS, Marques et al., 2015). Three sleep groups were created considering all the IAS items: good sleepers (no insomnia symptoms; no associated daily impairment); insomnia symptoms groups (one/more insomnia symptoms; no associated daily impairment; exclusion of other conditions/disorders explaining the symptoms); insomniacs (one/more insomnia symptoms; one/more daily associated impairment; exclusion of other conditions/disorders explaining the symptoms).ResultsThere were significant differences in the total FMQ-10 score, the F1/Nonjudging of inner experience and the F2/acting with awareness, between sleep groups [respectively, F (2.402) = 6,933; P = 0.001; F (2.406) = 10.243; P = 0.001; F (2.406) = 37.431; P = 0.002]. Tukey tests indicated that the mean total FMQ-10 and F1/Nonjudging of inner experience scores of good sleepers and insomnia symptoms group were significantly higher than of the insomniacs. The mean value of F2/acting with awareness in the good sleepers was significantly higher than of the insomniacs.ConclusionsIt seems important to develop mindfulness to improve sleep in pregnancy or reduce the impact of insomnia symptoms (common at pregnancy).Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The role of self-compassion in lifetime history of depression: A study in Portuguese pregnant women

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S416-S417
Author(s):  
E. Bento ◽  
S. Xavier ◽  
J. Azevedo ◽  
M. Marques ◽  
M.J. Soares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Lifetime History ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
History Of ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
History Of Depression

IntroductionAlthough self-compassion has been pointed as an effective strategy for coping with depression, there are not any studies investigating its association with lifetime history of depression (LTHD).ObjectiveTo compare self-compassion levels in pregnant women with vs. without LTHD and to analyze if self-compassion dimensions are significant predictors of LTHD.MethodsFour hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women with a mean age of 33 years (±4.785) in their second trimester of pregnancy completed the Self Compassion Scale validated for pregnancy (SCS; Bento et al., 2015) and a new self-report questionnaire to evaluate the presence of LTHD according to DSM-5 criteria for depression.ResultsNinety-seven (23.0%) women had LTHD. Bisserial Spearmen correlations between LTHD and SCS total score were significant, negative and moderate (r = –0.31). SCS subscales, except Common Humanity, showed significant correlations: Self-Kindness/SK (r = –0.130), self-judgement (SJ) (0.313), isolation (0.357), mindfulness (r = –0.102), over-identification (OI) (r = 0.393). Independent sample t tests revealed that women with vs. without LTHD had significantly lower levels of total SCS, SK and Mindfulness scores and higher levels of SJ, Isolation and OI.Logistic regression (assumptions were fulfilled, Tabachnick and Fidell, 2007) showed that the SCS explained 26.7%–43.6% of the LTHD variance and correctly classified 86.9%; the odds ratio (OR) was.865 (95% CI 0.834–0.898; P < 0.001). The model composed by the correlated dimensions explained 15.9%–24.0% and correctly classified 80.6%. Odds ratios: SK = 0.017; SJ = 0.021; isolation = 16.027; mindfulness = 0.167 and OI = 20.178 (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsSelf-compassion, specifically the ability to treat oneself with care and understanding and to be aware and accepting one's present-moment experiences, decrease the probability of having LTHD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnancy: Fitting Into the Existing Viral Repertoire

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roopali Rajput ◽  
Jitender Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Preterm Labor ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Fetal Health ◽  
Fetal Protection ◽  
In Pregnancy

The risk of viral infection during pregnancy is well-documented; however, the intervention modalities that in practice enable maternal-fetal protection are restricted by limited understanding. This becomes all the more challenging during pandemics. During many different epidemic and pandemic viral outbreaks, worse outcomes (fetal abnormalities, mortality, preterm labor, etc.) seem to affect pregnant women than what has been evident when compared to non-pregnant women. The condition of pregnancy, which is widely understood as “immunosuppressed,” needs to be re-understood in terms of the way the immune system works during such a state. The immune system gets transformed to accommodate and facilitate fetal growth. The interference of such supportive conversion by viral infection and the risk of co-infection lead to adverse fetal outcomes. Hence, it is crucial to understand the risk and impact of potent viral infections likely to be encountered during pregnancy. In the present article, we review the effects imposed by previously established and recently emerging/re-emerging viral infections on maternal and fetal health. Such understanding is important in devising strategies for better preparedness and knowing the treatment options available to mitigate the relevant adverse outcomes.

Impostor Feelings and Psychological Distress Among Asian Americans: Interpersonal Shame and Self-Compassion

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 432-458
Author(s):  
Meifen Wei ◽  
Shuyi Liu ◽  
Stacy Y. Ko ◽  
Cixin Wang ◽  
Yi Du
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Moderated Mediation ◽  
Public University ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Asian American Students ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
American Students ◽  
Impostor Feelings

We examined how the association between impostor feelings and psychological distress was mediated by interpersonal shame and moderated by self-compassion in a sample of 433 Asian American students at an East Coast public university. First, we found that the positive association between impostor feelings and psychological distress was partially mediated by interpersonal shame (i.e., shame related to others viewing them negatively or dishonoring their family due to their deficits). Second, self-compassion significantly moderated the positive association between impostor feelings and interpersonal shame. Specifically, this positive association was stronger for those with lower self-compassion than for those with higher self-compassion. Third, the index of moderated mediation further supported that self-compassion moderated the mediation through an indirect effect of impostor feelings on psychological distress through interpersonal shame. We found additional results which supported the moderation and moderated mediation hypotheses for the three specific components of self-compassion (i.e., common humanity, self-judgment, and over-identification).

Validation of the self-compassion scale in a community sample of Portuguese pregnant women

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s238-s238 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Bento ◽  
S. Xavier ◽  
J. Azevedo ◽  
M. Marques ◽  
V. Freitas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
The Self ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Portuguese Version ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Compassion Scale

IntroductionIn recent years, researchers and clinicians have shown an increasing interest in self-compassion. Indeed, several studies have suggested that self-compassion is a positive factor for mental and physical health. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS; Neff, 2003) has been widely used to assess six dimensions of self-compassion (self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness and over-identification) among diverse populations. Recently, it has also been used in perinatal samples but its psychometric properties in pregnant women is still unexplored.ObjectiveThis study aims was to investigate the reliability and the validity of the SCS using Confirmatory Factor Analysis in a sample of Portuguese pregnant women.MethodsParticipants were 417 pregnant women with a mean age of 33 years old (SD = 4.74) in their second trimester of pregnancy (M = 17.26, SD = 4.78, weeks of gestation). Participants completed the Portuguese version of the SCS while waiting for the routine prenatal consultation in Maternity Hospital, Portugal.ResultsA was tested and results showed that the six-factor model had a good fit to the data (TLI = 0.93, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.06). The total SCS presented a good internal reliability (α = 0.91) and their subscales showed Cronbach's alphas ranging between adequate (α = 0.77) and good (α = 0.87).ConclusionsOverall, these findings suggest that the Portuguese version of the SCS is a valid and reliable measure to assess self-compassion among pregnant women. Thus, SCS could be useful in diverse settings in the perinatal period.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals COVID-19 OUTCOMES IN PREGNANCY: A REVIEW OF 275 SCREENED STUDIES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupalakshmi Vijayan ◽  
Hanna Moon ◽  
Jasmine Joseph ◽  
Madiha Zaidi ◽  
Chhaya Kamwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Immunological Changes ◽  
In Pregnancy

In December 2019, a novel strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), was declared as a cause of respiratory illness, called coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), characterized by fever and cough. In diagnostic imaging, the afflicted population showed pathognomonic findings of pneumonia. What started out as an epidemic in China, rapidly spread across geographical locations with a significant daily increase in the number of affected cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, the range of worldwide mortality is 3 to 4%. Maternal adaptations and immunological changes predispose pregnant women to a prolonged and severe form of pneumonia, which results in higher rates of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is limited data about the consequences of COVID-19 in pregnancy, thereby limiting the prevention, counseling, and management of these patients. The objective of this literature review is to explore pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19, complications, morbidity, and mortality in this sub-population. We conducted a literature review pertaining to COVID-19 and pregnancy in databases such as: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The studies we chose to focus on were systematic reviews, meta-analysis, case series, and case reports. Twenty four articles were reviewed regarding COVID-19 and pregnancy, complications and their outcomes. Due to immunological changes during pregnancy as evidenced by the flaring of auto-immune diseases; pregnant women may be at an increased risk for infection. Women (19.7%) who had underlying comorbidities such as gestational DM, HTN, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune disease, COPD, or HBV infection were considered high risk. The most common maternal outcomes were premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and pre-eclampsia. Asthma was the most common comorbidity associated with maternal mortality. The most common neonatal complications were fetal distress leading to NICU admissions and preterm birth <37 weeks. The most common laboratory changes were elevated CRP and lymphocytopenia. Most patients underwent C-section due to their underlying comorbidities. Pregnant and lactating women did not shed viral particles through their vaginal mucus and milk, as evidenced by negative nucleic-acid tests of these secretions. Neonatal infections as demonstrated by positive RT-PCR were rare, but direct evidence supporting intrauterine transmission was not confirmed. Direct evidence indicating vertical transmission of COVID-19 is not available, but risk for transmission cannot be ruled out. Pregnant women should be closely monitored due to increased risk of adverse outcomes.

scholarly journals Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 684-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Gonzalez-Hernandez ◽  
Rocio Romero ◽  
Daniel Campos ◽  
Diana Burychka ◽  
Rebeca Diego-Pedro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Acting With Awareness

Context. Breast cancer (BC) requires a significant psychological adaptation once treatment is finished. There is growing evidence of how compassion training enhances psychological and physical well-being, however, there are very few studies analyzing the efficacy of compassion-based Interventions on BC survivors. Objective. To study the efficacy of the Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) protocol in a BC survivor sample on quality of life, psychological well-being, fear of cancer recurrence, self-compassion, and compassion domains and mindfulness facets. Furthermore, enrollment, adherence, and satisfaction with the intervention were also analyzed. Methods. A randomized clinical trial was designed. Participants (n = 56) were randomly assigned to CBCT (n = 28) or a treatment-as-usual control group (TAU; n = 28). Pre-post intervention and 6-month follow-up measures took place to evaluate health-related quality of life, psychological well-being; psychological stress, coping strategies, and triggering cognitions; self-compassion and compassion; and mindfulness in both intervention and wait-list groups. Results. Accrual of eligible participants was high (77%), and the drop-out rate was 16%. Attendance to CBCT sessions was high and practice off sessions exceeded expectations). CBCT was effective in diminishing stress caused by FCR, fostering self-kindness and common humanity, and increasing overall self-compassion scores, mindful observation, and acting with awareness skillsets. Conclusion. CBCT could be considered a promising and potentially useful intervention to diminish stress caused by FCR and enhance self-kindness, common humanity, overall self-compassion, mindful observation, and acting with awareness skillsets. Nevertheless, future randomized trials are needed and a process of deeper cultural adaptation required.

scholarly journals Regulatory T Cells in Pregnancy Adverse Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Green ◽  
Marina Politis ◽  
Kathrine S. Rallis ◽  
Alba Saenz de Villaverde Cortabarria ◽  
Athina Efthymiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Regulatory T Cells ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Inconsistency Index ◽  
In Pregnancy

BackgroundSeveral studies report the role of Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in the pathophysiology of pregnancy adverse outcomes.ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether there is an association between regulatory T cell levels and pregnancy adverse outcomes (PAOs), including pre-eclampsia and preterm birth (PTB).MethodLiterature searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Inclusion criteria were original articles (clinical trials, case-control studies and cohort studies) comparing Tregs, sampled from the decidua or maternal blood, in healthy pregnant women versus women with pre-eclampsia or PTB. The outcome was standardised mean difference (SMD) in Treg numbers. The tau-squared (Tau²), inconsistency index (I²), and chi-squared (χ²) test quantified heterogeneity among different studies. Analyses were performed in RevMan software V.5.4.0 for Mac using a random-effects model with outcome data reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020205469). PRISMA guidelines were followed.ResultsFrom 4,085 unique studies identified, 36 were included in qualitative synthesis, and 34 were included in quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). In total, there were 1,783 participants in these studies: healthy controls=964, pre-eclampsia=759, PTB=60. Thirty-two studies compared Tregs in healthy pregnant women and women with pre-eclampsia, and 30 of these sampled Tregs from peripheral blood showing significantly higher Treg numbers in healthy pregnancies (SMD; 1.46; 95% CI, 1.03–1.88; I²=92%). Four studies sampled Tregs from the maternal decidua showing higher Tregs in healthy pregnancies (SMD, 0.76; 95% CI, -0.13–1.65; I²=84%). No difference was found in the number of Tregs between early versus late pre-eclampsia (SMD,-1.17; 95% CI, -2.79–0.44; I²=94%). For PTB, two studies compared Tregs sampled from the peripheral blood with a tendency for higher Tregs in healthy pregnancies but this did not reach significance (SMD, 2.18; 95% CI, -1.34–5.70; I²=96%). Subcohort analysis using Treg analysis (flow cytometry vs. qPCR vs. immunofluorescence tissue staining) showed similar associations.ConclusionLower Tregs in pregnancy, sampled from the maternal peripheral blood, are associated with pre-eclampsia. There is a need for further studies to confirm a relationship between low Tregs and PTB. As the precise mechanisms by which Tregs may mediate pre-eclampsia and PTB remain unclear, further fundamental research is necessary to elucidate the underlying processes and highlight the causative link.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42020205469.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document