Placental functional assessment and its relationship to adverse pregnancy outcome: comparison of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI, T2-relaxation time, and umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound

2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110604
Author(s):  
Kyoko Kameyama Nakao ◽  
Aki Kido ◽  
Koji Fujimoto ◽  
Yoshitsugu Chigusa ◽  
Sachiko Minamiguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relaxation Time ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Umbilical Artery ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Z Score ◽  
T2 Relaxation Time ◽  
T2 Relaxation

Background Early identification of placental insufficiency can lead to appropriate treatment selections and can improve neonates' outcomes. Possible contributions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been suggested. Purpose To evaluate the prognostic capabilities of placental intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters and T2-relaxation time, and their correlation with fetal growth and adverse outcomes, comparing umbilical artery (UmA) pulsatility index (PI). Material and Methods A total of 68 singleton pregnancies at 24–40 weeks of gestation underwent placental MRI and were reviewed retrospectively. UmA-PI was measured using Doppler ultrasound by obstetricians. IVIM parameters ( Dfast, Dslow, and f) were calculated with a Bayesian model fitting. First, the associations between gestational age (GA) with placental IVIM parameters, T2-relaxation time, and placental thickness (PT) were evaluated. Second, IVIM parameters, T2 value (Z-score), PT (Z-score), and UmA-PI (Z-score) were compared between ( 1 ) those delivering small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates, ( 2 ) emergency cesarean section (ECS), and non-ECS, and ( 3 ) preterm birth and full-term birth. Results Low birth weight was observed in 15/68 cases (22%). GA was significantly associated only with T2-relaxation time and PT. SGA was significantly associated with T2 value (Z-score), f, and UmA-PI (Z-score). In the ECS groups, T2 value (Z-score), f, and Dfast were significantly lower than those in non-ECS groups. All IVIM parameters and T2 values (Z-score) showed significantly lower scores in the preterm birth group. Conclusion Placental f and T2 value (Z-score) had significant associations with low birth weight and clinical adverse outcomes and could be potential imaging biomarkers of placental insufficiency.

scholarly journals Effect of maternal weight gain according to the Institute of Medicine recommendations on pregnancy outcomes in a Chinese population

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 4397-4412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Guan ◽  
Fei Tang ◽  
Guoqiang Sun ◽  
Wei Ren
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Large For Gestational Age ◽  
Maternal Weight ◽  
Increased Risk

Objective This study aimed to analyze the effects of maternal weight on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods Data were retrospectively collected from a hospital in Wuhan, China. A total of 1593 pregnant women with singletons were included. Adverse outcomes during pregnancy, such as small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) were analyzed. Results The risks of low birth weight, SGA, and preterm birth were significantly higher in the inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG) group compared with the adequate GWG group. GWG over the guidelines was related to a higher risk of macrosomia, LGA, cesarean section, and HDP than GWG within the guidelines. The risks of low birth weight (OR = 5.082), SGA (OR = 3.959), preterm birth (OR = 3.422), and gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.784) were significantly higher in women with a normal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and inadequate GWG compared with women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI and adequate GWG. The risks of macrosomia (OR = 3.654) and HDP (OR = 1.992) were increased in women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI and excessive GWG. Conclusion Women with an abnormal BMI and inappropriate GWG have an increased risk of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Weight management during the perinatal period is required.

scholarly journals Pregnancy Outcome during the First COVID 19 Lockdown in Vienna, Austria

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3782
Author(s):  
Sylvia Kirchengast ◽  
Beda Hartmann
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Pregnancy Outcome ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Very Low Birth Weight ◽  
Extremely Low Birth Weight ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Gestational Length ◽  
Live Births

The COVID 19 pandemic represents a major stress factor for non-infected pregnant women. Although maternal stress during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction, an increasing number of studies yielded no negative effects of COVID 19 lockdowns on pregnancy outcome. The present study focused on pregnancy outcome during the first COVID 19 lockdown phase in Austria. In particular, it was hypothesized that the national lockdown had no negative effects on birth weight, low birth weight rate and preterm birth rate. In a retrospective medical record-based single center study, the outcome of 669 singleton live births in Vienna Austria during the lockdown phase between March and July 2020 was compared with the pregnancy outcome of 277 live births at the same hospital during the pre-lockdown months of January and February 2020 and, in addition, with the outcome of 28,807 live births between 2005 and 2019. The rate of very low gestational age was significantly lower during the lockdown phase than during the pre-lockdown phase. The rate of low gestational age, however, was slightly higher during the lockdown phase. Mean birth weight was significantly higher during the lockdown phase; the rates of low birth weight, very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight were significantly lower during the lockdown phase. In contrast, maternal gestational weight gain was significantly higher during the lockdown phase. The stressful lockdown phase in Austria seems to have no negative affect on gestational length and newborn weight among non-infected mothers.

scholarly journals Perinatal Outcomes of Small for Gestational Age in Twin Pregnancies: Twin vs. Singleton Charts

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 643
Author(s):  
Veronica Giorgione ◽  
Corey Briffa ◽  
Carolina Di Fabrizio ◽  
Rohan Bhate ◽  
Asma Khalil
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Small For Gestational Age ◽  
Perinatal Death ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

Twin pregnancies are commonly assessed using singleton growth and birth weight reference charts. This practice has led to a significant number of twins labelled as small for gestational age (SGA), causing unnecessary interventions and increased risk of iatrogenic preterm birth. However, the use of twin-specific charts remains controversial. This study aims to assess whether twin-specific estimated fetal weight (EFW) and birth weight (BW) charts are more predictive of adverse outcomes compared to singleton charts. Centiles of EFW and BW were calculated using previously published singleton and twin charts. Categorical data were compared using Chi-square or McNemar tests. The study included 1740 twin pregnancies, with the following perinatal adverse outcomes recorded: perinatal death, preterm birth <34 weeks, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and admissions to the neonatal unit (NNU). Twin-specific charts identified prenatally and postnatally a smaller proportion of infants as SGA compared to singleton charts. However, twin charts showed a higher percentage of adverse neonatal outcomes in SGA infants than singleton charts. For example, perinatal death (SGA 7.2% vs. appropriate for gestational age (AGA) 2%, p < 0.0001), preterm birth <34 weeks (SGA 42.1% vs. AGA 16.4%, p < 0.0001), HDP (SGA 21.2% vs. AGA 13.5%, p = 0.015) and NNU admissions (SGA 69% vs. AGA 24%, p < 0.0001), when compared to singleton charts (perinatal death: SGA 2% vs. AGA 1%, p = 0.029), preterm birth <34 weeks: (SGA 20.6% vs. AGA 17.4%, p = 0.020), NNU admission: (SGA 34.5% vs. AGA 23.9%, p < 0.000). There was no significant association between HDP and SGA using the singleton charts (p = 0.696). In SGA infants, according to the twin charts, the incidence of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler was significantly more common than in SGA using the singleton chart (27.0% vs. 8.1%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, singleton charts misclassify a large number of twins as at risk of fetal growth restriction. The evidence suggests that the following twin-specific charts could reduce unnecessary medical interventions prenatally and postnatally.

scholarly journals Dengue during pregnancy and live birth outcomes: a cohort of linked data from Brazil

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e023529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enny S Paixão ◽  
Oona M Campbell ◽  
Maria Gloria Teixeira ◽  
Maria CN Costa ◽  
Katie Harron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Small For Gestational Age ◽  
Severe Dengue ◽  
Maternal Risk ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectivesDengue is the most common viral mosquito-borne disease, and women of reproductive age who live in or travel to endemic areas are at risk. Little is known about the effects of dengue during pregnancy on birth outcomes. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of maternal dengue severity on live birth outcomes.Design and settingWe conducted a population-based cohort study using routinely collected Brazilian data from 2006 to 2012.ParticipatingWe linked birth registration records and dengue registration records to identify women with and without dengue during pregnancy. Using multinomial logistic regression and Firth method, we estimated risk and ORs for preterm birth (<37 weeks’ gestation), low birth weight (<2500 g) and small for gestational age (<10thcentile). We also investigated the effect of time between the onset of the disease and each outcome.ResultsWe included 16 738 000 live births. Dengue haemorrhagic fever was associated with preterm birth (OR=2.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.4) and low birth weight (OR=2.1; 95% CI 1.1 to 4.0), but there was no evidence of effect for small for gestational age (OR=2.1; 95% CI 0.4 to 12.2). The magnitude of the effects was higher in the acute disease period.ConclusionThis study showed an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes in women with severe dengue during pregnancy. Medical intervention to mitigate maternal risk during severe acute dengue episodes may improve outcomes for infants born to exposed mothers.

scholarly journals Chlamydia trachomatis Screening and Treatment in Pregnancy to Reduce Adverse Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina N. Adachi ◽  
Karin Nielsen-Saines ◽  
Jeffrey D. Klausner
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Premature Rupture Of Membranes ◽  
Premature Rupture ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Infant Outcomes ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy

Chlamydial trachomatis infection has been associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes such as premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, low birth weight, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia in infants. This review evaluates existing literature to determine potential benefits of antenatal screening and treatment of C. trachomatis in preventing adverse outcomes. A literature search revealed 1824 studies with 156 full-text articles reviewed. Fifteen studies were selected after fulfilling inclusion criteria. Eight studies focused on chlamydial screening and treatment to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, low birth weight, growth restriction leading to small for gestational age infants, and neonatal death. Seven studies focused on the effects of chlamydial screening and treatment on adverse infant outcomes such as chlamydial infection including positive mucosal cultures, pneumonia, and conjunctivitis. Given the heterogeneity of those studies, this focused review was exclusively qualitative in nature. When viewed collectively, 13 of 15 studies provided some degree of support that antenatal chlamydial screening and treatment interventions may lead to decreased adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. However, notable limitations of these individual studies also highlight the need for further, updated research in this area, particularly from low and middle-income settings.

scholarly journals Pregnancy outcome among HIV-infected women on different antiretroviral therapies in Ethiopia: a cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e027344
Author(s):  
Yohannes Ejigu ◽  
Jeanette H Magnus ◽  
Johanne Sundby ◽  
Maria C Magnus
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Small For Gestational Age ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Zidovudine Monotherapy ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to compare pregnancy outcomes according to maternal antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens.DesignA retrospective cohort study.Participants and settingsClinical data was extracted from ART exposed pregnancies of HIV-infected Ethiopian women attending antenatal care follow-up in public health facilities in Addis Ababa between February 2010 and October 2016.OutcomesThe primary outcomes evaluated were preterm birth, low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age.ResultsA total 1663 of pregnancies exposed to ART were included in the analyses. Of these pregnancies, 17% resulted in a preterm birth, 19% in low birth weight and 32% in a small-for-gestational-age baby. Compared with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiated during pregnancy, zidovudine monotherapy was less likely to result in preterm birth (adjusted OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.64) and low birth weight (adjusted OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.94). We observed no differential risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age, when comparing women who initiated HAART during pregnancy to women who initiated HAART before conception. The risk for preterm birth was higher in pregnancies exposed to nevirapine-based HAART (adjusted OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.96) compared with pregnancies exposed to efavirenz-based HAART. Comparing nevirapine-based HAART with efavirenz-based HAART indicated no strong evidence of increased risk of low birth weight or small-for-gestational-age.ConclusionsWe observed a higher risk of preterm birth among women who initiated HAART during pregnancy compared with zidovudine monotherapy. Pregnancies exposed to nevirapine-based HAART also had a greater risk of preterm births compared with efavirenz-based HAART.

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