Singleton pregnancy losses before gestational week 22 among patients with autoimmune disorders and Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms

BACKGROUND: The rates of pregnancy losses (PLs) are increased by maternal risk factors such as autoimmune disorders (AD) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate singleton PLs before gestational week (gw) 22 among patients with AD and MTHFR polymorphisms. METHODS: Totally, 1108 singleton pregnancies in 243 women were categorized as: 1) 148 pregnancies in 33 patients with AD, 2) 316 pregnancies in 66 patients with MTHFR polymorphisms, 3) 644 pregnancies in 144 patients with AD +MTHFR polymorphisms. PLs were classified into subgroups: a) Chemical Pregnancy(CP), b) Blighted Ovum(BO), c) gw ⩽ 10, d) gw11–14 e) gw15–22, f) Ectopic Pregnancy(EP), g) Trophoblastic Disease(TD). Obstetric histories were compared using Beksac Obstetrics Index (BOI): [number of living child + (π/10)]/gravida. RESULTS: PL rates before gw22 were 39.2% (58/148), 33.2% (105/316), and 36.3% (234/644) in AD, MTHFR, and AD +MTHFR groups, respectively (p= 0.421). The rate of Pre-Prenatal Screening Period fetal losses (CP + BO + gw ⩽ 10 fetal losses + EP + TD) were 84.8%, 75.9%, and 77.8% in AD, MTHFR, and AD +MTHFR, respectively (p= 0.264). Gravidity ⩽ 4 versus those with gravidity ⩾ 5 had statistically significant differences in BOI (p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PL rate before gw22 among singleton pregnancies with AD and/or MTHFR polymorphisms was 35.8%. The clinical findings seem to be more complicated in patients with gravidity ⩾ 5.

Differing risk factors for new onset and recurrent gestational diabetes mellitus in multipara women: a cohort study

Objectives To assess whether recurrent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and newly diagnosed GDM share similar risk factors. Methods The study recruited a cohort of 10,151 multipara women with singleton pregnancy who delivered between 2016 and 2019 in Beijing, China. The prevalence of recurrent GDM and associated risk factors were analyzed between women with and without prior GDM history. Results Eight hundred and seventy-five (8.6%) multipara women had a diagnosis of GDM during previous pregnancies. The prevalence of GDM and pre-gestational diabetes mellitus were 48.34% (423/875) and 7.89% (69/875) if the women were diagnosed with GDM during previous pregnancies, as compared to 16.00% (1484/9276) and 0.50% (46/9276) if the women were never diagnosed with GDM before. In women without a history of GDM, a variety of factors including older maternal age, higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (PPBMI), prolonged interval between the two pregnancies, higher early pregnancy weight gain, family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), maternal low birth weight, and higher early pregnancy glycemic and lipid indexes were generally associated with an increased risk of GDM at subsequent pregnancy. In women with a history of GDM, higher PPBMI, higher fasting glucose level and maternal birthweight ≥4000 g were independent risk factors for recurrent GDM. Conclusions GDM reoccurred in nearly half of women with a history of GDM. Risk factors for recurrent GDM and newly diagnosed GDM were different. Identifying additional factors for GDM recurrence can help guide clinical management for future pregnancies to prevent GDM recurrence.

Pilot study of changes in the level of piRNA in plasma and serum in women at different stages of physiological pregnancy

Aim. To study changes in the level of piRNA in plasma and serum of pregnant women at different stages of gestation.Material and Methods. A total of 42 samples of plasma and blood serum were obtained from seven women with physiological singleton pregnancy without obstetric and gynecological pathology. The study was carried out at three time points corresponding to 8–13, 18–25, and 30–35 weeks of pregnancy, respectively. To assess the spectrum and levels of piRNA by the NGS method, whole genome sequencing of small RNAs was carried out. Sequencing data analysis was performed using the GeneGlobe Data Analysis Center web application. Differential expression was assessed using the DESeq2 R package.Results and Discussion. The piRNA contents among all small RNAs were 2.29%, 2.61%, and 4.16% in plasma and 7.29%, 7.02%, and 10.82% in serum during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. The contents of the following piRNAs increased in blood plasma from the first to the third trimester: piR 000765, piR 020326, piR 019825, piR 020497, piR 015026, piR 001312, and piR 017716. The study showed that the levels of piR 000765, piR 020326, piR 019825, piR 015026, piR 020497, piR 001312, piR 017716, and piR 004153 were significantly higher in serum compared with the corresponding values in plasma whereas the content of only one molecule, piR 018849, was higher in plasma.Conclusion. This pilot work created a basis for understanding the processes of piRNA expression in plasma and serum of pregnant women and can become the foundation for the search for biomarkers of various complications in pregnancy.

A new indication for elective induction of labor COVID-19 pandemic effect

Background: Induction of labour is performed in certain circumstances which involve greater risks of waiting for the onset of spontaneous labour than the risks due to shortening the duration of pregnancy by induction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcome in patients undergoing elective induction during COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 60 ANC patients with singleton pregnancy and POG >39 weeks coming to OPD with negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report. To avoid the burden of repeat testing after one week and risk of exposure to COVID-19 virus from community, patients were induced. All the data was recorded and analyzed.Results: Most of the patients were in age group of 20-25 years (50%) and only 6.7% of the patients were older than 30 years. 32 (53.3%) patients were multiparous and 50% of the patients were having Bishop score between 2-5 and only 8.3% had bishop score of more than 5. 47 patients (78.3%) underwent normal vagina delivery whereas 12 patients (20%) underwent LSCS. Failure of Induction was the indication for LSCS in 5 patients (41.7%).Conclusions: Elective induction was found to be better option in COVID-19 negative patients. All pregnant women should be monitored for development of symptoms and signs of COVID-19 particularly if they have had close contact with a confirmed case. Pregnancy and childbirth generally do not increase the risk for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection but may worsen the clinical course of COVID-19 compared with nonpregnant individuals of the same age.

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

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.

Comparison of the Hypotension in Lateral Verses Sitting Positions during Induction of Spinal Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section

Objective: To compare the hypotension in lateral verses sitting positions during induction of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. Study Design: This is a Randomized control trial (RCT) study. Setting: Study carried out at Department of Anaesthesiology, Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Pain Management, Civil Hospital, Dow University of health sciences Karachi, from December 2018 to June 2019. Materials and Methods: All women age 18 to 45 underwent elective caesarian section having ASA I and II, singleton pregnancy on ultrasound with parity ≤3 were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive spinal anaesthesia in the lateral position (Group L) or the sitting position (Group S) through lottery methods. Using the L3-4 interspace, patients received intrathecal plain bupivacaine, 10mg or 12 mg according to their height, after which they was placed immediately in the supine position with left uterine displacement. Maternal blood pressure was measured with the help of Non-invasive BP apparatus. BP was recorded at baseline then every 5 min till 30 minutes by anesthetist who was unaware of parturient group. Any single or more reading of SBP of <90 mmHg was considered as Hypotension. Results: Mean age of the patients in lateral group was 31.49 ±10.87 years and mean age of the patients in sitting group was 31.80 ±10.77 years (p-value 0.869). Majority of the patients 35 (62.5%) with hypotension were presented with sitting position. Chi square test was applied and statistically significant difference was observed between groups (p-value 0.012). Conclusion: We concluded that less frequency of hypotension was observed when spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section using plain bupivacaine in the lateral position.

Association of Thyroid Dysfunction and Pregnancy Outcomes

Background: Hypothyroidism in pregnancy results in serious consequences for both mother and fetus. Pregnant women are prone to thyroid dysfunction due to physiological changes taking place in body. This study is undertaken to see the effect of thyroid dysfunction on pregnancy outcomes. Methodology: A prospective observational study was done. Study was conducted in a private gynecological and obstetric unit. A sample size of 200 women in selected institute with singleton pregnancy was recruited. Pregnant women with chronic disabilities and previously known thyroid disorders were excluded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 and binary logistic regression analysis was done. Ethical rules were followed throughout the study and consent taken from all participants. Results: Out of 200, 23 participants were positive for thyroid disorder. Thyroid dysfunctions are responsible for causing multiple complications in pregnancy for mother and fetus. Findings suggest a signification association of thyroid dysfunction and feto-maternal consequences (p-value <0.005). Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism is a common finding during pregnancy. It is compulsory to detect and treat thyroid dysfunction early in pregnancy so that adverse outcomes could be avoided. There is a need for timely screening of thyroid profile in suspected pregnancies. keywords: TSH, FT3, FT4, Pregnancy, Outcomes.

Performance of Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm for first trimester preeclampsia screening in an indigenous south Asian population

Background To evaluate the performance of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) preterm preeclampsia (PE) screening algorithm in an indigenous South Asian population. Methods This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in a tertiary maternal fetal unit in Delhi, India over 2 years. The study population comprised of 1863 women carrying a singleton pregnancy and of South Asian ethnicity who were screened for preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation using Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), transvaginal Mean Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index (UtAPI) and biochemical markers - Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) and Placental Growth Factor.. Absolutemeasurements of noted biomarkers were converted to multiples of the expected gestational median (MoMS) which were then used to estimate risk for preterm PE < 37 weeks using Astraia software. Women with preterm PE risk of ≥1:100 was classified as as high risk. Detection rates (DR) at 10% false positive rate were calculated after adjusting for prophylactic aspirin use (either 75 or 150 mg). Results The incidence of PE and preterm PE were 3.17% (59/1863) and 1.34% (25/1863) respectively. PAPP-A and PlGF MoM distribution medians were 0.86 and 0.87 MoM and significantly deviated from 1 MoM. 431 (23.1%) women had a risk of ≥1:100, 75 (17.8%) of who received aspirin. Unadjusted DR using ≥1:100 threshold was 76%.Estimated DRs for a fixed 10% FPR ranged from 52.5 to 80% depending on biomarker combination after recentering MoMs and adjusting for aspirin use. Conclusion The FMF algorithm whilst performing satisfactorily could still be further improved to ensure that biophysical and biochemical markers are correctly adjusted for indigenous South Asian women.

Fetal abdominal overgrowth is already present at 20–24 gestational weeks prior to diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus

Fetal abdominal obesity (FAO) was detected at the time of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis at 24–28 gestational weeks (GW) in older (≥ 35 years) and/or obese (≥ body mass index 25 kg/m2) women and persisted until delivery. We investigated whether FAO is already present at 20–24 GW. Medical records of 7820 singleton pregnancy including 384 GDM were reviewed. Fetal abdominal overgrowth was assessed by the fetal abdominal overgrowth ratios (FAORs) of the ultrasonographically estimated gestational age (GA) of abdominal circumference per actual GA by the last menstruation period, biparietal diameter or femur length, respectively. FAO was defined as FAOR ≥ 90th percentile. FAORs measured at 20–24 GW in older and/or obese but not in young and non-obese GDM subjects were significantly higher than those in NGT subjects. Relative to NGT subjects without FAO at 20–24 GW, odds ratios for exhibiting FAO at GDM diagnosis and large for gestational age in GDM with FAO at 20–24 GW were 10.15 and 5.57, and their primary cesarean delivery rate was significantly higher than those in GDM without FAO (44% vs. 29%). Earlier diagnosis and active interventions of GDM well before 20–24 GW might be necessary to prevent FAO in the older and/or obese women.

A Clinical Nomogram For Predicting Preterm Birth in Women Who Conceived Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

Background: We used prepregnant and gestational characteristics as predictors to develop and validated a nomogram predicting the risk of preterm birth (PTB) in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treated women. Methods: The National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) was queried for singleton ART-treated pregnant women from 2015 to 2019. Multivariable cox regression was used to develop the early (< 32 weeks) or late (< 37 weeks) PTB risk model using both statistical significance and clinical importance criteria for variable selection. The predictive accuracy was assessed, and bootstrapping was used for validation. A nomogram was constructed for the presentation of the final model. Results: ART-treated women who were over 45 years old, black, obese, had a history of cesarean section and PTB, restarting ART within 3 months, prepregnant diabetes, chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and eclampsia, had the highest risk for late and early-stage PTB. The nomogram with these variables accurately predicted PTB in ART women with a singleton pregnancy. (Brier score:0.121, calibration slope: 0.99, c-index: 0.684). Conclusion: We created a nomogram predicting the risk of early or late PTB in ART women with a singleton pregnancy, which could identify potentially at-risk women who seeking ART treatment and inform appropriate preterm care.