Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (CCREOH) Cohort Study: influences of complex environmental exposures on maternal and child health in Suriname

PurposeThe Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health prospective environmental epidemiologic cohort study addresses the impact of chemical and non-chemical environmental exposures on mother/child dyads in Suriname. The study determines associations between levels of environmental elements and toxicants in pregnant women, and birth outcomes and neurodevelopment in their children.ParticipantsPregnant women (N=1143) were enrolled from December 2016 to July 2019 from three regions of Suriname: Paramaribo (N=738), Nickerie (N=204) and the tropical rainforest interior (N=201). Infants (N=992) were enrolled at birth. Follow-up will take place until children are 48 months old.Findings to dateBiospecimens and questionnaire data on physiological and psychosocial health in pregnant women have been analysed. 39.1% had hair mercury (Hg) levels exceeding values considered safe by international standards. Median hair Hg concentrations in women from Paramaribo (N=522) were 0.64 µg/g hair (IQRs 0.36–1.09; range 0.00–7.12), from Nickerie (N=176) 0.73 µg/g (IQR 0.45–1.05; range 0.00–5.79) and the interior (N=178) 3.48 µg/g (IQR 1.92–7.39; range 0.38–18.20). 96.1% of women ate fish, respective consumption of the three most consumed carnivorous species, Hoplias aimara, Serrasalmus rhombeus and Cichla ocellaris, known to have high Hg levels, was 44.4%, 19.3% and 26.3%, respectively, and was greater among the interior subcohort. 89% frequently consumed the vegetable tannia, samples of which showed presence of worldwide banned pesticides. 24.9% of pregnant women had Edinburgh Depression Scale scores indicative of probable depression.Future plansFish consumption advisories are in development, especially relevant to interior women for whom fish consumption is likely to be the primary source of Hg exposure. Effects of potentially beneficial neuroprotective factors in fish that may counter neurotoxic effects of Hg are being examined. A pesticide literacy assessment in pregnant women is in progress. Neurodevelopmental assessments and telomere length measurements of the children to evaluate long-term effects of prenatal exposures to toxicant mixtures are ongoing.

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The Study of Asian Women and their Offspring’s Development and Environmental Exposures (SAWASDEE): A northern Thailand birth cohort study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.31696 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dana Barr ◽

Nancy Fiedler ◽

Tippawan Prapamontol ◽

Panrapee Suttiwan ◽

Warangkana Naksen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Birth Cohort ◽

Prenatal Exposure ◽

Environmental Exposures ◽

World Health ◽

Birth Cohort Study ◽

Asian Women ◽

Northern Thailand ◽

Prospective Longitudinal ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to pesticides have been linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Gaps exist in the current literature about the timing and magnitude of exposures that result in these adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVE The Study of Asian Women and their Offspring’s Development and Environmental Exposures (SAWASDEE) Cohort was established to investigate the impact of prenatal exposure to pesticides on neurodevelopment during infancy and early childhood in northern Thailand. METHODS Recruitment of this prospective, longitudinal birth cohort began in July 2017 and was completed in June 2019 in Chom Thong and Fang, two farming districts in Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. Follow up of the study participants is on-going. During pregnancy, seven questionnaires were administered. Time-resolved biospecimen samples were collected monthly (for urine) and during each trimester (for blood) at antenatal care visits. Medical records were abstracted. Infants were administered the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) test at one month of age. We will complete a number of additional exposure related analyses. RESULTS A total of 1298 women were screened and of those 394 women were enrolled. The mean gestational age at enrollment was 9.9 weeks (STD = 2.6). Differences in literacy were observed between Chom Thong and Fang participants. In Fang about 51% reported being able to read in Thai compared to about 95% in Chom Thong. The percentages were comparable for reporting to be able to write in Thai. A total of 322 mother-child pairs completed the NNNS. CONCLUSIONS This longitudinal birth cohort study will inform risk assessment standards for pregnant women in Thailand and other countries. Building awareness of how insecticide exposure during specific windows of pregnancy affects the neurodevelopmental trajectories of children in developing countries is a specific need recognized by the World Health Organization.

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The impact of levothyroxine exposure on delivery outcome in hypothyroid pregnant women (PETAL study): A five-year retrospective cohort study

Obstetric Medicine ◽

10.1177/1753495x211064108 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1753495X2110641

Author(s):

Diana Oprea ◽

Nadine Sauvé ◽

Jean-Charles Pasquier

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Retrospective Cohort Study ◽

Retrospective Cohort ◽

Caesarean Delivery ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Significant Risk Factor ◽

Singleton Pregnancy ◽

Delivery Outcome ◽

The Impact

Background Hypothyroidism affects 3% of pregnant women, and to date, no studies have addressed the impact levothyroxine-treated hypothyroidism on delivery outcome. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted among 750 women with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth between 2015 and 2019. Delivery modes were compared between 250 hypothyroid women exposed to levothyroxine and 500 euthyroid control women. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of levothyroxine exposure on delivery outcome. Results Multiple logistic regression showed no significant association between exposure to levothyroxine and the overall rate of caesarean delivery (aOR 1.1; 95% CI 0.8 to 1.6). Mean TSH concentrations were significantly higher throughout the pregnancy in hypothyroid women despite levothyroxine treatment. Maternal and neonatal outcomes in both groups were not different. Conclusion Hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine during pregnancy according to local guidelines is not a significant risk factor for caesarean delivery.

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A review of guidance on fish consumption in pregnancy: is it fit for purpose?

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980018000599 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (11) ◽

pp. 2149-2159 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Caroline M Taylor ◽

Pauline M Emmett ◽

Alan M Emond ◽

Jean Golding

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Fish Consumption ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Positive Contribution ◽

National Guidelines ◽

International Guidelines ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

The Impact ◽

In Pregnancy

AbstractObjectivePublic health messages to reduce Hg exposure for pregnant women have focused exclusively on advice on fish consumption to limit Hg exposure, with little account being taken of the positive contribution of fish to nutritional quality. The aim of the present review was to compare and contrast the content and presentation of national guidelines on fish consumption in pregnancy, and comment on their evidence base and impact on consumption.DesignWe searched for national and international guidelines on fish consumption in pregnancy using Internet search strategies. The detailed content and style of presentation of the guidelines were compared. The evidence base for the guidelines, and evidence for the impact of the guidelines on fish consumption levels, were assessed.ResultsWe identified nineteen national guidelines and three international guidelines. There was great variation in the content, complexity and presentation style. The guidelines were based largely on the Hg content of fish with far less consideration being given to the positive beneficial effects of nutrients provided by fish. The complexity of the guidelines may lead to pregnant women reducing their fish intake, or not eating fish at all.ConclusionsGuidelines on fish consumption in pregnancy should take the beneficial effects of fish into account. Guidelines need to be clear and memorable, and appropriately disseminated, to achieve impact. Guidelines could include visual rather than narrative content. Use of technology, for example apps, could enable women to record their fish consumption in real time and log compliance with guidance over a week or other time period.

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Impact of particulate matter on mothers and babies in Antwerp (IPANEMA): a prospective cohort study on the impact of pollutants and particulate matter in pregnancy

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020028 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. e020028 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lena Van den Eeden ◽

Nathalie Lambrechts ◽

Veerle Verheyen ◽

Mario Berth ◽

Greet Schoeters ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Particulate Matter ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Prospective Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

University Hospital ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Hair Samples ◽

The Impact

IntroductionAir pollution is a hot topic and is known to cause multiple health issues. Especially pregnant women seem to be vulnerable to environmental issues. There are data suggesting that exposure contributes to hypertensive disorders.This study aims to evaluate the effects of exposure to particulate matter (PM) and outdoor air pollutants on the clinical pregnancy outcome for mother and child and to determine which biochemical changes in maternal, placental and cord blood best explain this effect.Methods and analysisThis study is a prospective cohort study. We aim to recruit 200 pregnant women. The outcome measurements will include maternal parameters, labour parameters and neonatal parameters.Multiple samples will be analysed such as maternal urine samples (8-oxo-deoxyguanosine), maternal blood samples (routine blood sampling, biomarkers of pre-eclampsia and transcript markers), maternal hair samples, neonatal blood samples (transcript markers) combined with extensive questionnaires.Ethics and disseminationWe obtain informed consent from each participant prior to enrolment in the study.The study has received approval by the Ethical Committee of the Antwerp University Hospital (14/40/411).IPANEMA is the first prospective study to assess the impact of PM on mothers and babies in Antwerp, Belgium.Findings from this study will contribute to improve knowledge on the impact of exposure to air pollution on mothers and babies and will also define biomarkers as predictors for pregnant women at risk.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: 14/40/411. Registered 22-10-2015.

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A Preparedness Model for Mother-Baby Linked Longitudinal Surveillance for Emerging Threats

10.21203/rs.3.rs-90329/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kate R Woodworth ◽

Megan R Reynolds ◽

Veronica Burkel ◽

Cymone Gates ◽

Valorie Eckert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Health Department ◽

Population Based ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Data Sources ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Public Health Action ◽

The Impact ◽

Existing Data

Abstract Introduction Public health responses often lack the infrastructure to capture the impact of public health emergencies on pregnant women and infants, with limited mechanisms for linking pregnant women with their infants nationally to monitor long-term effects. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in close collaboration with state, local, and territorial health departments, began a five-year initiative to establish population-based mother-baby linked longitudinal surveillance, the Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies Network (SET-NET).Objectives The objective of this report is to describe an expanded surveillance approach that leverages and modernizes existing surveillance systems to address the impact of emerging health threats during pregnancy on pregnant women and their infants.Methods Mother-baby pairs are identified prospectively during pregnancy and/or retrospectively after birth of the infant. All data are obtained from existing data sources (e.g., electronic medical records, vital statistics, laboratory reports, and health department investigations and case reporting).Results Variables were selected for inclusion to address key surveillance questions proposed by CDC and health department subject matter experts. General variables include maternal demographics and health history, pregnancy and infant outcomes, maternal and infant laboratory results, and child health outcomes up to the second birthday. Exposure-specific modular variables are included for hepatitis C, syphilis, and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The system is structured into four relational datasets (maternal, pregnancy outcomes and birth, infant/child follow-up, and laboratory testing).Discussion SET-NET provides a population-based mother-baby linked longitudinal surveillance approach and has demonstrated rapid adaptation for use during COVID-19. This innovative approach leverages existing data sources and rapidly collects data to inform clinical guidance and practice. These data can help to reduce exposure risk and adverse outcomes among pregnant women and their infants, direct public health action, and strengthen public health systems.

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An International Prospective Cohort Study of HIV and Zika in Infants and Pregnancy (HIV ZIP): Study Protocol

Frontiers in Global Women's Health ◽

10.3389/fgwh.2021.574327 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

Ann Aschengrau ◽

Marisa M. Mussi-Pinhata ◽

John Moye ◽

Nahida Chakhtoura ◽

Kunjal Patel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Phase I ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Prospective Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Post Partum ◽

Child Outcomes ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Zikv Infection ◽

The Impact

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection may adversely affect pregnancies of women living with HIV (WLHIV). Because no study to date has focused on maternal and child effects of HIV and ZIKV co-infection in pregnant women, we undertook the International Prospective Cohort Study of HIV and Zika in Infants and Pregnancy (HIV ZIP). The aims of this two-phase study of pregnant women and their infants are to compare the incidence of ZIKV infection among pregnant women with and without HIV infection and to determine the risk of adverse maternal and child outcomes associated with ZIKV/HIV co-infection at clinical sites in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the continental United States. Phase I was designed to enroll pregnant women/infant pairs who were: (1) infected with HIV only, (2) infected with ZIKV only, (3) infected with HIV and ZIKV, and (4) not infected with either HIV or ZIKV. A key goal of this phase was to assess the feasibility of enrolling 200 women/infant pairs within a year, with a target of 150 WLHIV, 50 HIV-uninfected women, and a minimum of 20 who were co-infected with HIV and ZIKV. If the feasibility of Phase I proved successful, Phase II would enroll up to 1,800 additional pregnant women/infant pairs to the same four groups. Enrolled women in both phases were to be followed throughout their pregnancy and up to 6 weeks post-partum. Infants were also to be followed for 1 year after birth. To date, Phase 1 data collection and follow-up have been completed. Delineation of possible harmful effects of HIV/ZIKV co-infection will allow the formulation of standard-of-care recommendations to minimize adverse effects but enable the continuation of preventive HIV therapy. Furthermore, while the prospective HIV ZIP study was developed before the COVID pandemic, it is especially relevant today since it can be easily adapted to provide critically important information on the impact of COVID-19 infection or other still unrecognized new agents among pregnant women and their offspring worldwide.

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The burden of premature ventricular contractions predicts adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women without structural heart disease

10.21203/rs.3.rs-86467/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jing Lin ◽

Yanxia Qian ◽

Xin Wu ◽

Qiushi Chen ◽

Qiang Ding ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Structural Heart Disease ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Neonatal Outcomes ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽

Premature Ventricular Contractions ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective: To investigate the outcomes of fetuses or neonates of pregnant women with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Study design: 6, 148 pregnant women were prospectively enrolled in the study. Of these women, 103 with a PVC burden >0.5% were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of adverse fetal or neonatal events. The adverse outcomes were compared between the groups to assess the impact of PVCs on pregnancy. Results: A total of 17 adverse events (12 cases) occurred among 103 pregnant women with PVCs, which was significantly higher than that among women without PVCs (11.65% vs. 2.93%, p<0.01). The median PVC burden among pregnant women with PVCs was 2.84% (1.02% to 6.1%). Furthermore, compared with that of the women without adverse events, the median PVC burden of women with adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes was significantly higher (9.02% vs. 2.30%, p<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that PVC burden was associated with adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with PVCs (OR: 1.34, 95% CI (1.11-1.61), p<0.01). Conclusions: Frequent PVCs have adverse effects on pregnancy, and the PVC burden might be an important factor associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with PVCs. Our cohort study indicated that the higher the PVC burden is, the higher the likelihood of adverse events would be.

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Planning for a cohort study to investigate the impact and management of influenza in pregnancy in a future pandemic

Health Services and Delivery Research ◽

10.3310/hsdr03060 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 (6) ◽

pp. 1-48 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marian Knight ◽

Peter Brocklehurst ◽

Pat O’Brien ◽

Maria A Quigley ◽

Jennifer J Kurinczuk

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Influenza Pandemic ◽

Influenza Infection ◽

H1n1 Influenza ◽

Steering Committee ◽

Pandemic Strain ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact ◽

In Pregnancy

BackgroundEvidence from the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic demonstrated that pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to infection and at an increased risk of death. Active data collection through the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) about women admitted to hospital during the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic was used to inform ongoing clinical guidance regarding the use of antiviral treatment for pregnant women and demonstrated that, in addition to an increased risk of maternal morbidity, influenza infection in pregnancy is associated with poor perinatal outcomes, including an increased risk of stillbirth and preterm birth. This evidence influenced the decision to offer routine influenza immunisation to pregnant women. Even in a non-epidemic period, pregnant women continue to die from influenza.ObjectiveTo establish, and then to put into hibernation, the study mechanisms needed to mount a rapid investigation of the impact of pandemic influenza in pregnancy in the event of a newly emerging pandemic strain.DesignA new UKOSS cohort study was designed, based on the 2009–10 study, and following consultation with the Pandemic Flu Planning Group at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the UKOSS Steering Committee, to identify potential previously unanswered questions.SettingUK maternity units.ParticipantsAll pregnant women admitted to hospital with influenza in a future pandemic.Main outcome measuresManagement of pregnant women with influenza infection, intervention rates, treatment and pregnancy outcome for both the mother and fetus.ResultsThe study was designed and approved by the UKOSS Steering Committee and then placed into hibernation for activation in the event of an influenza pandemic.ConclusionsPregnant women, as a result of their changed immunological status, appear to be particularly susceptible to infection, including from influenza. The existence of the UKOSS enabled us to rapidly mount a study of pregnant women who were hospitalised with 2009 A/H1N1 influenza. Minor modifications to incorporate previously unanswered questions and our previous study enabled us to design, and then put into hibernation, a new study ready to investigate the impact and management of influenza in pregnancy, which is poised for activation in the event of a newly emerging pandemic strain. This will enable real-time data to be available on which to base rapid changes in clinical management as the as-yet-unforeseen pandemic unfolds. In the event of an influenza pandemic the study will be available to be immediately activated following expedited regulatory approvals.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN44137563.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

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Impact of treatment for bacterial vaginosis on prematurity among Brazilian pregnant women: a retrospective cohort study

Sao Paulo Medical Journal ◽

10.1590/s1516-31802005000300004 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 123 (3) ◽

pp. 108-112 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Rodrigo Pauperio Soares de Camargo ◽

José Antonio Simões ◽

José Guilherme Cecatti ◽

Valéria Moraes Nader Alves ◽

Sebastian Faro

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Bacterial Vaginosis ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Retrospective Cohort Study ◽

Retrospective Cohort ◽

Low Risk ◽

Perinatal Complications ◽

Prenatal Care Visit ◽

History Of ◽

The Impact

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Bacterial vaginosis has been associated with prematurity and other perinatal complications. However, the efficacy of the treatment for preventing such complications has not yet been well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of treatment for bacterial vaginosis on a low-risk population of Brazilian pregnant women, in order to prevent prematurity and other perinatal complications. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational retrospective cohort study, at the Obstetric and Gynecology Department, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp). METHODS: Vaginal bacterioscopy results from 785 low-risk pregnant women were studied. Three different groups of women were identified: 580 without bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy, 134 with bacterial vaginosis treated using imidazoles (metronidazole, tinidazole, or secnidazole) during pregnancy, and 71 with bacterial vaginosis not treated during pregnancy. The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was based on Nugent's criteria, from the vaginal bacterioscopy performed during the first prenatal care visit. RESULTS: The frequency of prematurity was 5.5% among the women without bacterial vaginosis, 22.5% among those with untreated bacterial vaginosis and 3.7% among those with treated bacterial vaginosis. The risk ratios for perinatal complications were significantly higher in the group with untreated bacterial vaginosis: premature rupture of membranes, 7.5 (95% CI: 1.9-34.9); preterm labor, 3.4 (95% CI: 1.4-8.1); preterm birth, 6.0 (95% CI: 1.9-19.7); and low birth weight, 4.2 (95% CI: 1.2-14.3). CONCLUSION: The treatment of bacterial vaginosis significantly reduced the rates of prematurity and other perinatal complications among these low-risk Brazilian pregnant women, regardless of the history of previous preterm delivery.

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Quality of acute myocardial infarction care in England and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic: linked nationwide cohort study

BMJ Quality & Safety ◽

10.1136/bmjqs-2021-013040 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. bmjqs-2021-013040

Author(s):

Suleman Aktaa ◽

Mohammad E Yadegarfar ◽

Jianhua Wu ◽

Muhammad Rashid ◽

Mark de Belder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Quality Of Care ◽

Care Quality ◽

International Standards ◽

Risk Scores ◽

England And Wales ◽

The Impact

Background and objectiveThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of care for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is uncertain. We aimed to compare quality of AMI care in England and Wales during and before the COVID-19 pandemic using the 2020 European Society of Cardiology Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care quality indicators (QIs) for AMI.MethodsCohort study of linked data from the AMI and the percutaneous coronary intervention registries in England and Wales between 1 January 2017 and 27 May 2020 (representing 236 743 patients from 186 hospitals). At the patient level, the likelihood of attainment for each QI compared with pre COVID-19 was calculated using logistic regression. The date of the first national lockdown in England and Wales (23 March 2020) was chosen for time series comparisons.ResultsThere were 10 749 admissions with AMI after 23 March 2020. Compared with before the lockdown, patients admitted with AMI during the first wave had similar age (mean 68.0 vs 69.0 years), with no major differences in baseline characteristics (history of diabetes (25% vs 26%), renal failure (6.4% vs 6.9%), heart failure (5.8% vs 6.4%) and previous myocardial infarction (22.9% vs 23.7%)), and less frequently had high Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk scores (43.6% vs 48.6%). There was an improvement in attainment for 10 (62.5%) of the 16 measured QIs including a composite QI (43.8% to 45.2%, OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.10) during, compared with before, the lockdown.ConclusionDuring the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales, quality of care for AMI as measured against international standards did not worsen, but improved modestly.

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