scholarly journals The influence of race on cervical length in pregnant women in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Minis ◽  
Antonio Fernandes Moron ◽  
Alan Hatanaka ◽  
Stephanno G. P. Sarmento ◽  
Marcelo Santucci ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesShort cervical length is a predictor of preterm birth. We evaluated if there were racial differences in variables associated with cervical length in pregnant Brazilian women.MethodsCervical length was determined by vaginal ultrasound in 414 women at 21 weeks gestation. All women were seen at the same clinic and analyzed by the same investigators. Women found to have a short cervix (≤25 mm) received vaginal progesterone throughout gestation. Composition of the vaginal microbiome was determined by analysis of the V1–V3 region of the gene coding for bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA. Demographic, clinical and outcome variables were determined by chart review. Subjects were 53.4% White, 37.2% mixed race and 9.4% Black. Results: Pregnancy, medical history and education level were similar in all groups. Mean cervical length was shorter in Black women (28.4 mm) than in White (32.4 mm) or mixed race (32.8 mm) women (p≤0.016) as was the percentage of women with a short cervix (23.1, 12.2, 7.8% in Black, White, mixed race respectively) (p≤0.026). Mean cervical length increased with maternal age in White (p=0.001) and mixed race (p=0.045) women but not Black women. There were no differences in bacterial dominance in the vaginal microbiota between groups. Most women with a short cervix delivered at term.ConclusionsWe conclude that Black women in Brazil have a shorter cervical length than White or mixed race women independent of maternal age, pregnancy and demographic history or composition of the vaginal microbiome.

Circulation ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Zhang ◽  
Wanzhu Tu ◽  
Lesley Tinker ◽  
JoAnn E Manson ◽  
Simin Liu ◽  
...  

Background: Recent evidence suggests that racial differences in circulating levels of free or bioavailable 25(OH)D rather than total 25(OH)D may explain the apparent racial disparities in cardiovascular disease(CVD).However, few prospective studies have directly tested this hypothesis. Objective: Our study prospectively examined black white differences in the associations of total, free, and bioavailable 25(OH)D, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels at baseline with incident CVD in a large, multi-ethnic, geographically diverse cohort of postmenopausal women. Method: We conducted a case-cohort study among 79,705 black and non-Hispanic white postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years and free of CVD at baseline in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS). We included a randomly chosen subcohort of 1,300 black and 1,500 white noncases at baseline and a total of 550 black and 1,500 white women who developed incident CVD during the follow up. We directly measured circulating levels of total 25(OH)D, VDBP (monoclonal antibody assay), albumin, and PTH and calculated free and bioavailable vitamin D levels. Weighted Cox proportional hazards models were used while adjusting for known CVD risk factors. Results: At baseline, white women had higher mean levels of total 25(OH)D and VDBP and lower mean levels of free and bioavailable 25(OH)D and PTH than black women (all P values < 0.0001). White cases had lower levels of total 25(OH)D and VDBP and higher levels of PTH than white noncases, while black cases had higher levels of PTH than black noncases (all P values < 0.05). There was a trend toward an increased CVD risk associated with low total 25(OH)D and VDBP levels or elevated PTH levels in both US black and white women. In the multivariable analyses, the total, free, and bioavailable 25(OH)D, and VDBP were not significantly associated with CVD risk in black or white women. A statistically significant association between higher PTH levels and increased CVD risk persisted in white women, however. The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios [HRs] comparing the extreme quartiles of PTH were 1.37 (95% CI: 1.06-1.77; P-trend=0.02) for white women and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.79-1.58; P-trend=0.37) for black women. This positive association among white women was also independent of total, free, and bioavailable 25(OH)D or VDBP. There were no significant interactions with other pre-specified factors, including BMI, season of blood draw, sunlight exposure, recreational physical activity, sitting time, or renal function. Interpretation: Findings from a large multiethnic case-cohort study of US black and white postmenopausal women do not support the notion that circulating levels of vitamin D biomarkers may explain black-white disparities in CVD but indicate that PTH excess may be an independent risk factor for CVD in white women.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 489-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Hernandez-Andrade ◽  
Eli Maymon ◽  
Suchaya Luewan ◽  
Gaurav Bhatti ◽  
Mohammad Mehrmohammadi ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:To determine whether a soft cervix identified by shear-wave elastography between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation is associated with increased frequency of spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD).Materials and methods:This prospective cohort study included 628 consecutive women with a singleton pregnancy. Cervical length (mm) and softness [shear-wave speed: (SWS) meters per second (m/s)] of the internal cervical os were measured at 18–24 weeks of gestation. Frequency of sPTD <37 (sPTD<37) and <34 (sPTD<34) weeks of gestation was compared among women with and without a short (≤25 mm) and/or a soft cervix (SWS <25thpercentile).Results:There were 31/628 (4.9%) sPTD<37 and 12/628 (1.9%) sPTD<34 deliveries. The combination of a soft and a short cervix increased the risk of sPTD<37 by 18-fold [relative risk (RR) 18.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.7–43.9); P<0.0001] and the risk of sPTD<34 by 120-fold [RR 120.0 (95% CI 12.3–1009.9); P<0.0001] compared to women with normal cervical length. A soft-only cervix increased the risk of sPTD<37 by 4.5-fold [RR 4.5 (95% CI 2.1–9.8); P=0.0002] and of sPTD<34 by 21-fold [RR 21.0 (95% CI 2.6–169.3); P=0.0003] compared to a non-soft cervix.Conclusions:A soft cervix at 18–24 weeks of gestation increases the risk of sPTD <37 and <34 weeks of gestation independently of cervical length.


Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000012296
Author(s):  
Tracy E. Madsen ◽  
D. Leann Long ◽  
April P. Carson ◽  
George Howard ◽  
Dawn O. Kleindorfer ◽  
...  

Background:To investigate sex and race differences in the association between fasting blood glucose (FBG) and risk of ischemic stroke (IS).Methods:This prospective longitudinal cohort study included adults age ≥45 years at baseline in the Reasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke Study, followed for a median of 11.4 years. The exposure was baseline FBG (mg/dL); suspected IS events were ascertained by phone every 6 months and were physician-adjudicated. Cox proportional hazards were used to assess the adjusted sex/race-specific associations between FBG (by category and as a restricted cubic spline) and incident IS.Results:Of 20,338 participants, mean age was 64.5(SD 9.3) years, 38.7% were Black, 55.4% were women, 16.2% were using diabetes medications, and 954 IS events occurred. Compared to FBG <100, FBG ≥150 was associated with 59% higher hazards of IS (95%CI 1.21-2.08) and 61% higher hazards of IS among those on diabetes medications (95%CI 1.12-2.31). The association between FBG and IS varied by race/sex (HR, FBG ≥ 150 vs. FBG <100: White women 2.05 (95% CI 1.23-3.42), Black women 1.71 (95%CI 1.10-2.66), Black men 1.24 (95%CI 0.75-2.06), White men 1.46 (95%CI 0.93-2.28), pFBG*race/sex=0.004). Analyses using FBG splines suggest that sex was the major contributor to differences by race/sex subgroups.Conclusions:Sex differences in the strength and shape of the association between FBG and IS are likely driving the significant differences in the association between FBG and IS across race/sex subgroups. These findings should be explored further and may inform tailored stroke prevention guidelines.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika M Safford ◽  
Paul Muntner ◽  
Raegan Durant ◽  
Stephen Glasser ◽  
Christopher Gamboa ◽  
...  

Introduction: To identify potential targets for eliminating disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes, we examined race-sex differences in awareness, treatment and control of hyperlipidemia in the REGARDS cohort. Methods: REGARDS recruited 30,239 blacks and whites aged ≥45 residing in the 48 continental US between 2003-7. Baseline data were collected via telephone interviews followed by in-home visits. We categorized participants into coronary heart disease (CHD) risk groups (CHD or risk equivalent [highest risk]; Framingham Coronary Risk Score [FRS] >20%; FRS 10-20%; FRS <10%) following the 3 rd Adult Treatment Panel. Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hyperlipidemia were described across risk categories and race-sex groups. Multivariable models examined associations for hyperlipidemia awareness, treatment and control between race-sex groups compared with white men, adjusting for predisposing, enabling and need factors. Results: There were 11,677 individuals at highest risk, 847 with FRS >20%, 5791 with FRS 10-20%, and 10,900 with FRS<10%; 43% of white men, 29% of white women, 49% of black men and 43% of black women were in the highest risk category. More high risk whites than blacks were aware of their hyperlipidemia but treatment was 10-17% less common and control was 5-49% less common among race-sex groups compared with white men across risk categories. After multivariable adjustment, all race-sex groups relative to white men were significantly less likely to be treated or controlled, with the greatest differences for black women vs. white men (Table). Results were similar when stratified on CHD risk and area-level poverty tertile. Conclusion: Compared to white men at similar CHD risk, fewer white women, black men and especially black women who were aware of their hyperlipidemia were treated and when treated, they were less likely to achieve control, even after adjusting for factors that influence health services utilization.


2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (1) ◽  
pp. 210S-210S
Author(s):  
Christopher K. Arkfeld ◽  
J. Connor Mulhall ◽  
Ashley Shea ◽  
Joshua D. Dahlke
Keyword(s):  

mSystems ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Supriya D. Mehta ◽  
Drew R. Nannini ◽  
Fredrick Otieno ◽  
Stefan J. Green ◽  
Walter Agingu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects 20% of women worldwide and is associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes and increased risk for HIV. Typically, BV represents a shift in the vaginal microbiome from one that is dominated by Lactobacillus to one that is diverse. Persistent racial differences in BV and diverse vaginal microbiome composition overlap with racial disparities in risks for HIV and sexually transmitted infection, especially among women of African descent. Risk factors for BV and nonoptimal vaginal microbiome include sexual practices, yet racial differences persist when adjusted for behavioral factors, suggesting a host genetic component. Here, we perform a genome-wide association study on vaginal microbiome traits in Kenyan women. Linear regression and logistic regression were performed, adjusting for age and principal components of genetic ancestry, to evaluate the association between Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Shannon diversity index, and community state type (CST) with host genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We identified novel genomic loci associated with the vaginal microbiome traits, though no SNP reached genome-wide significance. During pathway enrichment analysis, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokine production, and other components of innate immune response were associated with L. crispatus, L. iners, and CST. Multiple previously reported genomic loci were replicated, including IL-8 (Shannon, CST), TIRAP (L. iners, Shannon), TLR2 (Shannon, CST), MBL2 (L. iners, G. vaginalis, CST), and MYD88 (L. iners, Shannon). These genetic associations suggest a role for the innate immune system and cell signaling in vaginal microbiome composition and susceptibility to nonoptimal vaginal microbiome. IMPORTANCE Globally, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition in women. BV is associated with poorer reproductive health outcomes and HIV risk. Typically, BV represents a shift in the vaginal microbiome from one that is dominated by Lactobacillus to one that is diverse. Despite many women having similar exposures, the prevalence of BV and nonoptimal vaginal microbiome is increased for women of African descent, suggesting a possible role for host genetics. We conducted a genome-wide association study of important vaginal microbiome traits in Kenyan women. We identified novel genetic loci and biological pathways related to mucosal immunity, cell signaling, and infection that were associated with vaginal microbiome traits; we replicated previously reported loci associated with mucosal immune response. These results provide insight into potential host genetic influences on vaginal microbiome composition and can guide larger longitudinal studies, with genetic and functional comparison across microbiome sites within individuals and across populations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 653-664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangmi Kim ◽  
Eun-Ok Im ◽  
Jianghong Liu ◽  
Connie Ulrich

Abstract Background Despite the suggested contribution of cumulative chronic stress to the racial/ethnic disparities in preterm birth (PTB), it is unclear how chronic stress, maternal age, and race/ethnicity are linked underlying PTB. Purpose We investigated the moderating effect of chronic stress on the maternal age–PTB association among non-Hispanic (N-H) White, N-H Black, Hispanic, and Asian women. Methods We analyzed the Washington State’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data linked with birth certificates. The sample included women aged 18 years or older who birthed the first, singleton baby without birth defects. Chronic stress was measured by race/ethnicity-specific chronic stress indices. A maternal age–chronic stress interaction was modeled to predict PTB by logistic regression stratified by race/ethnicity. In subanalysis, the moderating role of racism was investigated in the maternal age–chronic stress interaction among three minority groups combined. Results Women’s maternal age trajectory of PTB varied by their race/ethnicity and chronic stress level. N-H White and N-H Black women showed a steeper maternal age-related increase in PTB (weathering) under higher chronic stress, indicating a chronic stress’ cumulative effect with maternal age. Besides, the extent of weathering was amplified by racism on top of chronic stress, particularly among N-H Black women. Conclusions These results show that both chronic stress and racism may develop accelerated PTB risk among minority women. Future research should use more objective and accurate chronic stress measures to ascertain the complex relationships among chronic stress, racial discrimination, and maternal age underlying the racial/ethnic differentials in PTB.


2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 676
Author(s):  
Paul Guerby ◽  
Annie Beaudoin ◽  
Geneviève Marcoux ◽  
Mario Girard ◽  
Jean-Charles Pasquier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 762-770 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARJORIE M. LUCKEY ◽  
DIANE E. MEIER ◽  
JOHN P. MANDELI ◽  
MARIA C. DACOSTA ◽  
MICHAEL L. HUBBARD ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 780-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su Jin Sung ◽  
Seung Mi Lee ◽  
Sohee Oh ◽  
Joo Hee Choi ◽  
Jee Yoon Park ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: It is well known that a short cervix at mid-pregnancy is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth in both singleton and twin gestations. Recent evidence also suggests that a long cervix at mid-pregnancy is a predictor of the risk of cesarean section (C/S) in singleton gestation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a long cervix at mid-pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of C/S in women with twin pregnancies. Methods: We enrolled 746 women pregnant with twins whose cervical length was measured by trans-vaginal ultrasonography at a mean of 22 weeks of gestation and who delivered in our institution. Cases with a short cervix [cervical length (CL) <15 mm] were excluded. Cases were divided into four groups according to the quartile of CL. Results: The rate of C/S increased according to the quartile of CL (47% in the 1st quartile, 51% in the 2nd quartile, 56% in the 3rd quartile and 62% in the 4th quartile, P<0.005, χ2 for trend). CL was an independent risk factor for C/S even after adjustment for confounding variables. When confining analysis to women who delivered after a trial of labor (n=418), to nulliparous women (n=633) or to those who delivered at late preterm or full term (n=666), the rate of C/S also increased according to the quartile of CL, and the relationship between CL and the risk of C/S remained significant after adjustment in each group. Conclusion: In women pregnant with twins, long CL at mid-pregnancy was a risk factor for C/S.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document