scholarly journals On the cutting edge: key findings on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with COVID-19 in a study by the World Association of Perinatal Medicine

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-11
Author(s):  
D. Di Mascio ◽  
F. D'Antonio ◽  
G. Rizzo

The World Association of Perinatal Medicine (WAPM) study on the COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was an international, retrospective cohort study that included pregnant women tested positive with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection between February and April 2020. The study involved 73 centers from 22 countries. The WAPM study included 388 singletons, viable pregnancies, positive to SARS-CoV-2 at real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction nasal and pharyngeal swab. The majority of the included women were symptomatic. The occurrence of maternal adverse events was significantly higher in symptomatic, compared with asymptomatic pregnant women. Women carrying high-risk pregnancies (either preexisting chronic medical conditions in pregnancy or obstetrical disorders occurring in pregnancy) were at a higher risk of hospital admission, presence of severe respiratory symptoms, admission to the intensive care unit, and invasive mechanical ventilation. As per maternal outcomes, the occurrence of fetal and neonatal adverse events was significantly higher in symptomatic, compared with asymptomatic pregnant women. The incidence of a composite adverse fetal outcome was significantly higher when the infection occurred in the first trimester, and in fetuses with lower birthweight.

Author(s):  
Sangeeta Pahwa ◽  
Sabia Mangat

Background: Thyroid disorders are among the common endocrine problems in pregnant women. Often overlooked in pregnancy due to nonspecific symptoms and hyper-metabolic state of pregnancy. Western literature shows prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnancy as 2.5% and hypothyroidism as 0.1-0.4%. There is paucity of data on prevalence of thyroid disorders in India pregnant population. This study was carried out to know prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnant women in Indian population.Methods: One hundred pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in first trimester were registered. Detailed history and examination was done. Apart from routine basic and obstetrical investigations, TSH, FT3 and FT4 level estimation was done.Results: Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was high in this study in first trimester pregnant women, with subclinical hypothyroidism in 6%, overt hypothyroidism in 2%, subclinical hyperthyroidism 2 % and overt hyperthyroidism 0%.Conclusions: Prevalence of thyroid disorders, especially subclinical hypothyroidism (6%), overt hypothyroidism (2%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (2%) was high. To prevent adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcome, we are emphasizing the importance of routine antenatal thyroid screening.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 857-866
Author(s):  
Oluş Api ◽  
Cihat Sen ◽  
Marzena Debska ◽  
Gabriele Saccone ◽  
Francesco D’Antonio ◽  
...  

AbstractThese guidelines follow the mission of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine, which brings together groups and individuals throughout the world with the goal of improving outcomes of maternal, fetal and neonatal (perinatal) patients. Guidelines for auditing, evaluation, and clinical care in perinatal medicine enable physicians diagnose, treat and follow-up of COVID-19-exposed pregnant women. These guidelines are based on quality evidence in the peer review literature as well as the experience of perinatal expert throughout the world. Physicians are advised to apply these guidelines to the local realities which they face. We plan to update these guidelines as new evidence become available.


Author(s):  
Pooja Kiran ◽  
Kamal P. Patil

Background: Diabetes is one of the largest global health emergencies of 21st century and Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most crucial illnesses complicating women of child-bearing age. The objectives of this study is to determine the maternal and fetal outcome of pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes either GDM or pre-existing diabetes.Methods: An analysis of pregnant women was done retrospectively at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum. 171 cases were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in pregnancy. 162 cases developed GDM and 9 had pre-existing diabetes. Pregnant women who were found to be diabetic pre conceptionally or in the first trimester were classified as pre-existing diabetes. All pregnant women diagnosed with diabetes mellitus were studied and relevant maternal and fetal outcomes and complications were assessed.Results: There were171 diabetic women in this retrospective study out of which 94.7% had GDM and 5.26% had pre-existing diabetes. Rate of pre-eclampsia was 24.56%, preterm delivery was 17.54% and polyhydramnios was 15.20%. Rate of caesarean section were 57.30% and vaginal delivery was 45.06%. In fetal and neonatal complications, the rate of fetal macrosomia was 11.1%, hyperbilirubinemia 15.78%, respiratory distress syndrome 9.94%.Conclusions: Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with increased risks to the maternal and fetal complications. The aim of this study is to lay emphasis upon early detection, screening and timely management that will reduce the adverse outcomes in both mother and fetus. predicted.


Author(s):  
Dr. Archana Mohana ◽  
Dr. Sujata Badoniya

The Aim of this study is to Review the timing of intervention which will provide the Best Outcome in Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy. Hypothyroid pregnant women are appropriately managed with regular antenatal checkup and thyroxine therapy during pregnancy, a good maternal and fetal outcome can be achieved and congenital cretinism and other neuro developmental sequele in the offspring can be averted. Keywords: Intervention, Hyperthyroidism, Pregnancy & Thyroid disease.


2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Sharmeen ◽  
PA Shamsunnahar ◽  
TR Laita ◽  
SB Chowdhury

Objectives: Thyroid disorders are among the common endocrine problems in pregnant women. It is now well established that not only overt but subclinical thyroid dysfunction also has adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcome. There are few data from Bangladesh about the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy. With this background, this study aims to find out thyroid dysfunction (both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism) in pregnancy and its impact on obstetrical outcome.Methods: We studied the evaluation of 50 admitted pregnancies corresponding to 29 women with subclinical hypothyroidism and rest 21 was overt hypothyroidism. Detailed history and examination were performed. Apart from routine obstetrical investigations, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) estimation was done. Their obstetrical and perinatal outcomes were noted.Results: Overt hypothyroidism was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 25 to 44 years age group. However two and three abortions were significantly (p<0.05) higher in overt hypothyroidism patients. In sub clinical hypothyroidism 86.2% conceived firstly within 2 years and 66.7% in overt hypothyroidism patients conceived firstly in between 3 to 5 years after marriage. Overt hypothyroids were prone to have pregnancy-induced hypertension 42.9%, intrauterine growth restriction (P=0.001) and gestational diabetes (38.1%) as compared to subclinical cases. Neonatal complications were significantly more in overt hypothyroidism group. Mean TSH level was significantly (p<0.05) higher in overt hypothyroidism patients but mean FT4 level was almost similar in both groups. Majority of the patient underwent caesarean section in both groups due to associated medical and obstetrical complications. None of the babies showed hypothyroidism by cord blood tests. In this analysis our results showed that overt hypothyroidism among Bangladeshi pregnant women are associated with more maternal complication & adverse parental outcome than subclinical hypothyroidism. The adequate treatment of hypothyroidism during gestation minimizes risks and generally, makes it possible for pregnancies to be carried to term without complications. Significant adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcome were seen emphasizing the importance of routine antenatal thyroid screening.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (2): 52-57


2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayani Shashikala Amarasinghe ◽  
Thilini Chanchala Agampodi ◽  
Vasana Mendis ◽  
Krishanthi Malawanage ◽  
Chamila Kappagoda ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Sustainable development goals, which focus strongly on equity, aim to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. However, a significant cause of intergenerational transfer of malnutrition, anaemia in pregnancy, is still a challenge. It is especially so in the low- and middle-income settings where possible context-specific aetiologies leading to anaemia have been poorly explored. This study explores the prevalence of etiological factors significantly contributing to anaemia in pregnancy in Sri Lanka, a lower-middle-income country with a high prevalence of malnutrition albeit robust public health infrastructure. Methods All first-trimester pregnant women registered in the public maternal care programme in the Anuradhapura district from July to September 2019 were invited to participate in Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo). After a full blood count analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography, peripheral blood film examination, serum B12 and folate levels were performed in anaemic participants, guided by an algorithm based on the red cell indices in the full blood count. In addition, serum ferritin was tested in a random subsample of 213 participants. Anaemic women in this subsample underwent B12 and folate testing. Results Among 3127 participants, 14.4% (95%CI 13.2–15.7, n = 451) were anaemic. Haemoglobin ranged between 7.4 to 19.6 g/dl. 331(10.6%) had mild anaemia. Haemoglobin ≥13 g/dl was observed in 39(12.7%). Microcytic, normochromic-normocytic, hypochromic-normocytic and macrocytic anaemia was observed in 243(54%), 114(25.3%), 80(17.8%) and two (0.4%) of full blood counts in anaemic women, respectively. Microcytic anaemia with a red cell count ≥5 * 106 /μl demonstrated a 100% positive predictive value for minor haemoglobinopathies. Minor hemoglobinopathies were present in at least 23.3%(n = 105) of anaemic pregnant women. Prevalence of iron deficiency, B12 deficiency and Southeast Asian ovalocytosis among the anaemic was 41.9% (95%CI 26.4–59.2), 23.8% (95%CI 10.6–45.1) and 0.9% (95%CI 0.3–2.3%), respectively. Folate deficiency was not observed. Conclusion Even though iron deficiency remains the primary cause, minor hemoglobinopathies, B 12 deficiency and other aetiologies substantially contribute to anaemia in pregnancy in this study population. Public health interventions, including screening for minor hemoglobinopathies and multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy, should be considered in the national programme for areas where these problems have been identified.


F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
Gayani Amarasinghe ◽  
Vasana Mendis ◽  
Thilini Agampodi

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy, which can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, is a significant global health problem. Despite Sri Lanka’s strong public health system and commitment towards prevention, maternal anaemia remains a major problem in the country. While prevention is focused on iron deficiency, detailed etiological studies on this topic are scarce. Moreover, estimates of socio demographic and economic factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy, which can provide important clues for anaemia control, are also lacking. This study aims to evaluate the hemoglobin distribution, spatial distribution, etiology and associated factors for anaemia in pregnant women in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Methods: This is a cross sectional study of pregnant women in their first trimester registered for antenatal care from July to September 2019 in the Anuradhapura district. The minimal sample size was calculated to be 1866. Initial data collection has already been carried out in special field clinics for pregnant women between June to October 2019. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, a self-completed dietary questionnaire and an examination checklist were used for data collection. In addition, all participants underwent complete blood count testing. Further investigations are being conducted for predicting the etiology of anaemia based on a developed algorithm (such as high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] and peripheral blood film analysis). Discussion: Being the largest study on anaemia during pregnancy in a single geographical area in Sri Lanka, this study will provide important clues about geographical clustering of anaemia cases with similar etiology, associated factors and etiologies which would help to develop interventions to improve the health of pregnant women in the area. The possibility of selection bias is a potential limitation associated with the study design.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Yasmin Iles-Caven ◽  
Kate Northstone ◽  
Jean Golding

Enrolling a cohort in pregnancy can be methodologically difficult in terms of structuring data collection. For example, some exposures of interest may be time-critical while other (often retrospective) data can be collected at any point during pregnancy.  The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a prime example of a cohort where certain data were collected at specific time points and others at variable times depending on the gestation at contact.  ALSPAC aimed to enrol as many pregnant women as possible in a geographically defined area with an expected date of delivery between April 1991 and December 1992. The ideal was to enrol women as early in pregnancy as possible, and to collect information, when possible, at two fixed gestational periods (18 and 32 weeks). A variety of methods were used to enrol participants.   Approximately 80% of eligible women resident in the study area were enrolled. Gestation at enrolment ranged from 4-41 (median = 14) weeks of pregnancy. Given this variation in gestation we describe the various decisions that were made in regard to the timing of questionnaires to ensure that appropriate data were obtained from the pregnant women.  45% of women provided data during the first trimester, this is less than ideal but reflects the fact that many women do not acknowledge their pregnancy until the first trimester is safely completed. Data collection from women at specific gestations (18 and 32 weeks) was much more successful (80-85%). Unfortunately, it was difficult to obtain environmental data during the first trimester. Given the time critical nature of exposures during this trimester, researchers must take the gestational age at which environmental data was collected into account. This is particularly important for data collected using the questionnaire named ‘Your Environment’ (using data known as the A files).


1973 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-15

With the effects of certain chemical agents and rubella in mind, most authorities advise caution in the use of all vaccines during pregnancy and especially during the first trimester. The booklet issued by the Department of Health and Social Security1 lists pregnancy as a contra-indication to rubella, smallpox and polio vaccinations, with certain provisions, and the manufacturers’ literature adds yellow fever vaccination. Pregnant women wishing to travel obviously pose a problem. Neither the doctor nor the patient may be aware of an early pregnancy and this is always a hazard when vaccinating women and girls of childbearing age. However, apart from rubella and smallpox vaccinations, the risks are hypothetical.


Author(s):  
Ranjana Mishra ◽  
Arun H. Nayak ◽  
Madhuri Mehendale

Background: Hepatitis E in pregnancy has been a subject of interest in the recent years as the available research work is very limited and conflicting especially in pregnant women as compared to infection in men and non- pregnant women in which the disease is usually self- limiting. The mechanism of liver injury in hepatitis E is not clear and no conclusive theories about the exact pathogenesis are available. This study was done to gain insight into the effects of hepatitis E virus on pregnancy in terms of maternal and fetal outcome.Methods: Total of 40 pregnant women with Hepatitis E Virus IgM antibodies was included in the study. Hepatitis cases due to other viral and non-infective causes were excluded. Maternal outcomes in terms of mode of delivery, complications like PPH, hepatic encephalopathy, fulminant hepatic failure, coagulopathy and maternal mortality was studied. Fetal outcomes in terms of intrauterine fetal deaths, stillbirth, live births, and neonatal deaths were studied.Results: This study showed high mortality rates (42.5%) in pregnant women with hepatitis E. The most common obstetric complication was IUFD (45%) followed by preterm labor (32.5%) and postpartum hemorrhage (22.5%). Hepatic encephalopathy (62.5%) was the commonest medical complication followed by coagulopathy (25%). A statistically significant association was found between the presence of medical complications and poor maternal outcome.Conclusions: Hepatitis E virus infection in pregnancy often has a fulminant course with poor maternal and fetal outcome. Its management therefore requires an early diagnosis, and a multidisciplinary approach.


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