Serum Concentrations of Selected Organochlorines in Pregnant Women and Associations with Pregnancy Outcomes. A Cross-Sectional Study from Two Rural Settings in Cambodia

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 194 pregnant women from two low-income settings in Cambodia. The inclusion period lasted from October 2015 through December 2017. Maternal serum samples were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The aim was to study potential effects on birth outcomes. We found low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP), except for heptachlors, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), heptachlor epoxide, and p,p’-DDE. There were few differences between the two study locations. However, the women from the poorest areas had significantly higher concentrations of p,p’-DDE (p < 0.001) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (p = 0.002). The maternal factors associated with exposure were parity, age, residential area, and educational level. Despite low maternal levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, we found significant negative associations between the PCB congeners 99 (95% CI: −2.51 to −0.07), 138 (95% CI: −1.28 to −0.32), and 153 (95% CI: −1.06 to −0.05) and gestational age. Further, there were significant negative associations between gestational age, birth length, and maternal levels of o,p’-DDE. Moreover, o,p’-DDD had positive associations with birth weight, and both p,p’-DDD and o,p’-DDE were positively associated with the baby’s ponderal index. The poorest population had higher exposure and less favorable outcomes.

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The Assessment of Vitamin D Levels in Pregnant Women is not Associated to Fetal Growth Restriction: A Cross Sectional Study

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1735158 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (10) ◽

pp. 743-748

Author(s):

Vivian Macedo Gomes Marçal ◽

Francisco Lázaro Pereira Sousa ◽

Silvia Daher ◽

Raquel Margiotte Grohmann ◽

Alberto Borges Peixoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Serum Vitamin ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Maternal Serum ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Serum Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Levels

Abstract Objective To assess maternal serum levels of vitamin D in fetuses appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and with fetal growth restriction (FGR) according to estimated fetal weight (EFW). Methods This cross-sectional study included 87 pregnant women between 26 and 36 weeks of gestation: 38 in the AGA group, 24 in the SGA group, and 25 in the FGR group. Maternal serum vitamin D levels were assessed using the chemiluminescence method. The Fisher exact test was used to compare the results between the groups. Results The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of maternal age (years) and body mass index (kg/m2) in the AGA, SGA, and FGR groups were 25.26 ± 8.40 / 26.57 ± 4.37; 25.04 ± 8.44 / 26.09 ± 3.94; and 25.48 ± 7.52 / 26.24 ± 4.66, respectively (p > 0.05). The maternal serum vitamin D levels (mean ± SD) of the AGA, SGA, and FGR groups were 22.47 ± 8.35 ng/mL, 24.80 ± 10.76 ng/mL, and 23.61 ± 9.98 ng/mL, respectively, but without significant differences between the groups (p = 0.672). Conclusion Maternal serum vitamin D levels did not present significant differences among pregnant women with AGA, SGA, or FGR fetuses between 26 and 36 weeks of gestation according to EFW.

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A cross sectional study of leptospirosis and fetal death in Yucatan, Mexico

Colombia Medica ◽

10.25100/cm.v47i1.1975 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 11-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

María Fidelia Cárdenas Marrufo ◽

Ignacio Vado Solis ◽

Gaspar Fernando Peniche Lara ◽

Carlos Perez Osorio ◽

José Correa Segura

Keyword(s):

Spontaneous Abortion ◽

Low Income ◽

Fetal Death ◽

Indirect Elisa ◽

First Trimester ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Recent Infection ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease affecting mainly to low income human population. Acute leptospiral infection during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion and fetal death during the first trimester and the abortion may occur as consequence of systemic failure. Objective: To estimate the frequency of Leptospira interrogans infection in women with spontaneous abortion in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Methods: A cross sectional study on women with spontaneous abortion was conducted. Serum samples were tested for Leptospirosis by the microaglutination test, to estimate the frequency of the infecting serovar. The indirect ELISA IgM was used to detect recent infection by L. interrogans. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue of placenta for PCR detection of L. interrogans. Results: Overall frequency of infection with L. interrogans in the 81 women with abortion was 13.6%. Five of the 12 serovars evaluated were found and included. Two of the 11 women with abortion and positive to microaglutination test were also positive to the ELISA IgM test. None samples were positive for PCR Leptospira diagnosis. Conclusion: two women could be associated with spontaneous abortion due to leptospirosis, because they showed antibodies against L. interrogans in the microaglutination test and ELISA IgM assays. Differences between regions were found with respect to the prevalences of lesptospirosis.

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Prenatal distress level and its predictors according to the gestational age in pregnant women in the semi-urban region in Northwestern Turkey: A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-90838/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yeliz Mercan ◽

Kevser TARI SELCUK ◽

Figen DIGIN ◽

Hasan SAYGIN

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Education Level ◽

Urban Region ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Northwestern Turkey ◽

Prenatal Distress

Abstract Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the level and predictors of prenatal distress in pregnant women according to gestational age.Methods: This a cross-sectional study was conducted in eight Family Health Centers (FHCs) in Kirklareli, in Turkey. The study included 179 pregnant women who presented to the FHCs, who were at ≥12th week of gestation. Results:The frequency of prenatal distress in the participants was 21.2% (between 12th-27th weeks:16.5%, between 28th-41st weeks: 26.8%). It was found that level of education, age of the spouse, current pregnancy being unplanned, and social support levels were associated with the level of prenatal distress in ≥12th week or between 12th-27th weeks or between 28th-41st weeks (p<0.05). And also, perceived income level, abortion, and the number of pregnancies were associated with the level of prenatal distress in ≥12th weeks; the age of women, perceived income levels, previous abortion experience, and the number of pregnancies were associated with the level of prenatal distress in between 12th-27th weeks; the age of women, education level of spouse', and previous birth experience prenatal distress levels were associated in between 28th-41st weeks (p<0.05).Conclusion: The level of prenatal distress according to the gestational age, the education level of the woman, the age of her spouse’, the unplanned pregnancy, and social support levels were predictors. In both periods, the age of women were determinants in prenatal stress levels in pregnant women. Pregnant women should be screened and evaluated for prenatal distress in their application to FHCs.

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3rd TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY;

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2014.21.06.2629 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 21 (06) ◽

pp. 1113-1116

Author(s):

Nasira Naseem ◽

Ijaz-Ul-Haque Taseer ◽

Sohail Safdar

Keyword(s):

Blood Transfusion ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Low Income ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Multiple Pregnancy ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of

Objective: To see the frequency of anemia in pregnant ladies and its possible outcomes. Study design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Setting: Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan. Duration of study: Six months. Material and method: This prospective cross sectional study was conducted at Gynae and Obst. OPD at Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used. All the pregnant women between 20-35 years irrespective of gestational age or any concurrent illness having parity upto 5 were registered for the study after getting written consent for participation. The pregnant ladies were evaluated by asking history of blood loss, parity, multiple pregnancy, worm infestation, use of NSAIDS and blood transfusion. They were especially asked about dietary habits which were rated as good, average and poor. Their socio economic status was assessed and was placed into high, middle and low income groups. Blood samples were drawn for blood counts and hemoglobin estimation in all the women presenting at hospital. Reflotron photometer, Roche Diagnostic was used for the blood testing. A cut off value of< 11 g/dl irrespective of duration of pregnancy was used for anemia. Peripheral blood film was examined for RBC morphology. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was used to categorize into micorcytic (< 76fl), macrocytic (>98fl) and normocytic (78-98fl). Fetal well being was evaluated by serial abdominal ultrasounds. Results: Three hundred pregnant women attending Gyne and Obst. OPD, Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan, were registered according to the study protocol. The duration of the study was 6 months. Maternal age was between 25-35 years. 86 % women were multiparous, 79% women presented during 3rd trimester, 15% during the 2nd trimester and 6% during 1st trimester. Thirty eight percent women had hemoglobin 8-9.9 g/dl, 48% had from 7-7.9 g/dl and 10%were falling between 5-7 g/dl. Eighty eight percent had microcytic hypochromic anemia, 12% with dimorphic picture and 4% were having low MCV and MCH but normal MCHC and these were referred for hemoglobin electrophoresis. Fifty eight percent had monthly income 2-4 thousands rupees and only 10% were earning 4-10 thousands per month. Seventy eight percent had poor diet and 22% had an average and no women were fit into the criteria for good diet. History of breast feeding was positive in 92% of the women. History of use of iron supplement was also asked, 28% had used various preparations of iron and folate for a variable period from 1-4 months, 72% never used hematinic supplements. History of previous blood transfusion during pregnancy and labour was present in 16% of the women. Three percent had fetal growth retardation. Conclusions: Prevalence of anemia during 3rd trimester of pregnancy in is high our society. It can have significant effects on maternal and fetal out come. It is a preventable cause which can be treated easily. Poverty and lack of education are the most important causes of anemia during pregnancy.

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Prevalence and predictors of anxiety disorders amongst low-income pregnant women in urban South Africa: a cross-sectional study

Archives of Women s Mental Health ◽

10.1007/s00737-017-0768-z ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 20 (6) ◽

pp. 765-775 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Thandi van Heyningen ◽

Simone Honikman ◽

Landon Myer ◽

Michael N. Onah ◽

Sally Field ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Low Income ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Urban South

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Body Mass Index Changes during Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcomes - A Cross-Sectional Study

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1608885 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 40 (01) ◽

pp. 011-019 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Sirlei Morais ◽

Simony Nascimento ◽

Ana Godoy-Miranda ◽

Karina Kasawara ◽

Fernanda Surita

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Cesarean Section ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Perinatal Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Large For Gestational Age ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prenatal Visit

Objective To evaluate the relation between changes the body mass index (BMI) percentile, reflected in the Atalah curve, and perinatal outcomes. Methods A cross-sectional study with 1,279 women was performed. Data regarding gestational weight, sociodemographic characteristics and perinatal outcomes were collected through medical charts, prenatal card and interviews in the postpartum period. Women could be classified according to the Atalah curve in the following categories: low weight, adequate weight, overweight, and obese. The BMI was calculated at the first and at the last prenatal care visits, and these values were compared. Results An increase in the BMI category according to the Atalah classification occurred in 19.9% of pregnant women, and an increase of 3.4, 5.8 and 6.4 points of BMI were found for women respectively classified in the adequate weight, overweight and obese categories at the first prenatal visit. Women with high school education presented a lower chance of increasing their BMI (odds ratio [OR] 0:47 [0.24- 0.95]). Women who evolved with an increase in the the Atalah classification were associated with cesarean section (OR 1.97–2.28), fetal macrosomia (OR 4.13–12.54) and large for gestational age newborn (OR 2.88–9.83). Conclusion Pregnant women who gained enough weight to move up in their BMI classification according to the Atalah curve had a higher chance of cesarean section and macrosomia. Women classified as obese, according to the Atalah curve, at the first prenatal visit had a high chance of cesarean section and delivering a large for gestational age newborn.

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Maternal serum zinc levels and urinary tract infections among pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in Lusaka, Zambia: a cross-sectional study

International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology ◽

10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20213359 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1062

Author(s):

John Musaba ◽

Moses Mukosha ◽

Lubinda Mukololo ◽

Bellington Vwalika

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Urinary Tract ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Maternal Serum ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Serum Zn ◽

Tract Infections

Background: Micronutrient deficiency is one of the leading public health problems, particularly in lower-middle-income countries. The link between serum zinc (Zn) levels and urinary tract infections (UTIs) among pregnant women is still poorly understood. We investigated the association between maternal serum Zn levels and UTIs among pregnant women at women and newborn hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 228 pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years between 1 September and 30 November 2019. Serum Zn levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), whereas UTIs were determined based on the local hospital guidelines. We used the logistic regression model to determine the association between Zn levels and UTIs. The analysis was done at a significance level of 5% and 95% confidence interval.Results: Of the total participants, 118/228 (51.75%) tested positive for UTIs from urine culture. The mean serum Zn levels in the group diagnosed with UTIs were 53.95 ug/dl (SD=35.10), while in those who had no UTIs, it was 50.05 ug/dl (SD=35.10). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found no evidence of an association between serum Zn levels and UTIs (p=0.435).Conclusions: From the study findings, there was no association between serum Zn levels and UTIs. This result suggests that Zn may not have any role in urinary tract infection. Nevertheless, more extensive studies are needed to confirm our findings.

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Psychological impact of COVID-19 amongst pregnant women in Conakry, Guinea. A cross-sectional study.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-122687/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Almamy Touré ◽

Abdourahamane Diallo ◽

Aboubacar Magassouba ◽

Abdoulaye Doumbouya ◽

Ibrahima Conté ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Capital City ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

State Worry

Abstract Introduction Pregnancy, apart from any external events, is subject to psychological changes. The COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea led to the implementation of restrictive measures followed by the mitigating ones, but few of them have targeted stress and anxiety management in pregnant women. This study aimed to assess the psychological impact and its associated factors in pregnant women. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in three health centres in Conakry capital city. Pregnant women were interviewed during antenatal care visits. We used two tools for stress and anxiety assessment: Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), and followed three steps to seeking for factors associated with stress and anxiety: univariate analysis, regression tree (CART), and logistic regression. Results We surveyed a total of 649 pregnant women. Most of them presented a state of stress (97.7%) and anxiety (52.7%). Gestational age was the main factor associated with stress and anxiety. Pregnant women with a gestational age ≤ 34 weeks had an odd of 0.09 times lower of being stressed compared to those with a gestational age greater than 34 weeks. Pregnant women living in Ratoma and Kaloum with a gestational age was ≤ 9 weeks had an odds of 15.1 times [95% CI: 8.76, 27.4] higher of being worried compared to those from Matoto, Matam and Dixinn with a gestational age greater than 9 weeks. Similarly, pregnant women living in Matoto, Matam and Dixinn with a gestational age ≤ 9 weeks had an odds of 4.48 times [95% CI: 2.59, 8.12] higher of being worried compared to other women from the same localities. Conclusion Most of our participants were at a higher risk of stress and anxiety caused by COVID-19; women in their earlier stage of pregnancy tended to be more vulnerable to these psychological problems. Therefore, it is vital to implement an appropriate management plan which should prioritise those vulnerable pregnant women.

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Incidence and associated factors of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in preterm infants, a cross-sectional study in selected NICUs in Ethiopia

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000765 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. e000765

Author(s):

Netsanet Workneh Gidi ◽

Robert L Goldenberg ◽

Assaye K Nigussie ◽

Elizabeth McClure ◽

Amha Mekasha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preterm Infants ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Low Income ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Growth Restriction ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Extrauterine Growth Restriction

BackgroundPreterm infants have high risk of developing growth restriction and long-term complications. Enteral feeding is often delayed in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for the fear of feeding intolerance and the associated necrotising enterocolitis, and recent advances in nutritional support are unavailable in low-income countries.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the incidence and associated factors of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) among preterm infants in selected NICUs in Ethiopia.MethodThis was a cross-sectional study involving a subgroup analysis of preterm infants admitted to hospitals, from a multicentre descriptive study of cause of illness and death in preterm infants in Ethiopia, conducted from 2016 to 2018. EUGR was defined as weight at discharge Z-scores <−1.29 for corrected age. Clinical profiles of the infants were analysed for associated factors. SPSS V.23 software was used for analysis with a significance level of 5% and 95% CI.ResultFrom 436 preterm infants included in the analysis, 223 (51%) were male, 224 (51.4%) very low birth weight (VLBW) and 185 (42.4%) small for gestational age (SGA). The mean (SD) of weight for corrected age Z-score at the time of discharge was −2.5 (1.1). The incidence of EUGR was 86.2%. Infants who were SGA, VLBW and longer hospital stay over 21 days had increased risk of growth restriction (p-value<0.01). SGA infants had a 15-fold higher risk of developing EUGR at the time of discharge from hospital than those who were appropriate or large for gestational age (OR (95% CI)=15.2 (4.6 to 50.1).ConclusionThe majority of the infants had EUGR at the time of discharge from the hospital, which indicates suboptimal nutrition. Revision of national guidelines for preterm infants feeding and improvement in clinical practice is highly required.

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Predictors of Premature Rupture of Membranes among Pregnant Women in Rural Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital

International Journal of Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/1862786 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Simon Byonanuwe ◽

Emmanuel Nzabandora ◽

Baltazar Nyongozi ◽

Theophilus Pius ◽

David Santson Ayebare ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urinary Tract ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Premature Rupture Of Membranes ◽

Premature Rupture ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Tract Infections

Background. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common condition in developed and developing countries and poses a serious threat to the maternal and fetal well-being if not properly managed. This study delineated the prevalence and predictors of PROM in the western part of Uganda so as to guide specific preventive measures. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was conducted in the months of September 2019 to November 2019. A total of 334 pregnant women above 28 weeks of gestation admitted at the maternity ward of KIU-TH were consecutively enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain the data. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression were conducted. All data analyses were conducted using STATA 14.2. Results. Of the 334 pregnant women enrolled, the prevalence of PROM was found to be 13.8%. The significant independent predictors associated with lower odds of PROM were no history of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the month preceding enrollment into the study (aOR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.22-0.69, p=0.038) and gestational age of 37 weeks or more (aOR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.14-0.71, p=0.01) while history of 3 or more abortions (aOR=13.1, 95% CI: 1.12-153.62, p=0.05) was associated with higher likelihood of PROM. Conclusions. Majorly urinary tract infections, low gestational age, and abortions influence premature rupture of membranes among women. There is a great need for continuous screening and prompt treatment of pregnant women for UTI especially those with history of 3 or more abortions at less than 34 weeks of gestation.

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