Real-time ultrasound demonstration of uterine isthmus contractions during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic isthmic contractions are a frequent physiological phenomenon in pregnancy, sometimes triggered by bladder voiding. They can interfere with proper cervical length assessment and may lead to false images of placenta previa. However, there is limited research on the prevalence and characteristics of these contractions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of isthmic contractions after bladder voiding in the second trimester of pregnancy, to evaluate their effect on cervical length assessment, and to propose a new method for the objective assessment of the presence and intensity of isthmic contractions. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective observational study, long videos of the uterine cervix were recorded in 30 singleton pregnancies during the second trimester of pregnancy after bladder voiding. Isthmic length and cervicoisthmic length changes were assessed over time. The isthmic length was measured using a new approach, which involved calculating the distance from the base of the cervix to the internal os, including the isthmus. RESULTS: Isthmic contractions were observed in 43% of pregnant women (95% confidence interval, 26%-62%) after bladder voiding. The median time for complete isthmus relaxation was 19.7 minutes (95% confidence interval, 15.0 to not available). No substantial differences in maternal characteristics were found between individuals with and without contractions. The proposed method for measuring isthmic length provided an objective assessment of the presence and intensity of isthmic contractions. A cutoff of 18 mm in isthmic length allowed for the distinction of pregnant women presenting a contraction. In addition, the study identified a characteristic undulatory pattern in the relaxation of the isthmus in half of the cases with contractions. CONCLUSION: Isthmic contractions are a common occurrence after bladder voiding in the second trimester of pregnancy and may interfere with proper cervical length assessment. We recommend performing cervical assessment at least 20 minutes after bladder voiding to reduce the risk of bias in cervical length measurement and to avoid false images of placenta previa. The new method for measuring isthmic length provides an objective way to assess the presence and intensity of isthmic contractions. Further research is needed to understand the role of isthmic contractions in the physiology of pregnancy and birth.

Mid-trimester uterine artery Doppler for aspirin discontinuation in pregnancies at high risk for preterm pre-eclampsia: Post-hoc analysis of StopPRE trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether aspirin treatment can be discontinued in pregnancies with normal uterine artery pulsatility index (≤90th percentile) at 24-28 weeks. DESIGN: Post-hoc analysis of a clinical trial. SETTING: Nine maternity hospitals in Spain. POPULATION OR SAMPLE: Pregnant individuals at high risk of pre-eclampsia at 11-13 weeks and normal uterine artery Doppler at 24-28 weeks. METHODS: All participants received treatment with daily aspirin at a dose of 150 mg. Participants were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, either to continue aspirin treatment until 36 weeks (control group) or to discontinue aspirin treatment (intervention group), between September 2019 and September 2021. In this secondary analysis, women with a UtAPI >90th percentile at 24-28 weeks were excluded. The non-inferiority margin was set at a difference of 1.9% for the incidence of preterm pre-eclampsia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of preterm pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: Of the 1611 eligible women, 139 were excluded for UtAPI >90th percentile or if UtAPI was not available. Finally, 804 were included in this post-hoc analysis. Preterm pre-eclampsia occurred in three of 409 (0.7%) women in the aspirin discontinuation group and five of 395 (1.3%) women in the continuation group (-0.53; 95% CI -1.91 to 0.85), indicating non-inferiority of aspirin discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuing aspirin treatment at 24-28 weeks in women with a UtAPI ≤90th percentile was non-inferior to continuing aspirin treatment until 36 weeks for preventing preterm pre-eclampsia.

Proposal for standardized prenatal assessment of fetal open dysraphisms by the European reference network for Intellectual disability, TeleHealth, Autism and Congenital Anomalies (ITHACA) and eUROGEN.

Open dysraphisms, that is, myelomeningocele and myeloschisis, are rare diseases associated with a risk of severe disability, including lower limb motor and sensory deficiency, sphincter deficiency, and potential intellectual deficiency. Open dysraphism is diagnosed in Europe in 93.5% of cases. In case of suspicion of fetal open dysraphism, a detailed fetal morphologic assessment is required to confirm the diagnosis and exclude associated structural anomalies, as well as genetic assessment. In case of isolated fetal open dysraphism, assessment of prognosis is based on fetal imaging including the level of the lesion, the presence or not of a sac, the presence and nature of intra cranial anomalies, and the anatomical and functional evaluation of the lower extremities. Based on these biomarkers, a personalized prognosis as well as comprehensive information about prenatal management alternatives will allow parents to decide on further management options. Standardization of prenatal assessment is essential to compare outcomes with benchmark data and make assessment of surgical innovation possible. Herein, we propose a protocol for the standardized ultrasound assessment of fetuses with isolated open dysraphism.

Cannabis exposure during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Cannabis potency and its use during pregnancy have increased in the last decade. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of antenatal cannabis use on fetal growth, preterm birth and other perinatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A propensity score-matched analysis was performed in women with singleton pregnancies attending a tertiary care site in Barcelona. Women in the cannabis group were selected based on the results of a detection test. Primary outcomes were small for gestational age at birth (SGA), low birthweight and preterm birth. Secondary outcomes were other biometric parameters (neonatal length and head circumference), respiratory distress, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and breastfeeding at discharge. A second propensity score-matched analysis excluding other confounders (use of other recreational drugs and discontinuation of cannabis use during pregnancy) was performed. RESULTS: Antenatal cannabis was associated with a higher odds ratio of SGA (OR 3.60, 95% CI: 1.68-7.69), low birthweight (OR 3.94, 95% CI: 2.17-7.13), preterm birth at 37 weeks (OR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.12-3.84) and 32 weeks of gestation (OR 4.13, 95% CI: 1.06-16.11), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (OR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03-3.71), respiratory distress (OR 2.77, 95% CI: 1.26-6.34), and lower breastfeeding rates at discharge (OR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05-0.18). When excluding other confounders, no significant association between antenatal cannabis use and SGA was found. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal cannabis use increases the risk of SGA, low birthweight, preterm birth and other adverse perinatal outcomes. However, when isolating the impact of cannabis use by excluding women who use other recreational drugs and those who discontinue cannabis during pregnancy, no significant association between antenatal cannabis use and SGA birth was found.

The Arabin cervical pessary for the prevention of preterm birth in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Miscarriage and preterm birth are leading causes of loss and disability in monochorionic twins after laser treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the use of cervical pessary to reduce preterm birth before 32 weeks of gestation in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies after fetal surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: In this open-label multicenter randomized trial, pregnant women carrying monochorionic diamniotic twins requiring fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to pessary placement or conservative management. The primary outcome was birth before 32 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcomes were birth before 28, 30, 34, or 37 weeks of gestation; preterm premature rupture of membranes; fetal and neonatal survival; and a composite of maternal and neonatal complications. The estimated sample size was 364 patients, with 182 cases in each arm of the study. The analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Moreover, 2 interim analyses were planned. RESULTS: The trial was stopped prematurely after the first planned interim analysis for futility. Overall, 137 women were included in the analysis, 67 in the pessary group and 70 in the conservative management group. Preterm birth before 32 weeks of gestation occurred in 27 of 67 women (40.3%) in the pessary group and in 25 of 70 women (35.7%) in the conservative management group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-2.47; P=.63). No differences between groups was observed in the rate of deliveries before 28, 30, 34, and 37 weeks of gestation. Overall survival to delivery was 91.2% (125/137) for at least 1 twin, and 70.8% (97/137) for both twins, with no difference between groups. Neonatal survival at 30 days was 76.5% (208/272). There was no difference between the groups in maternal or neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSION: In monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies requiring fetal therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome, routine use of cervical pessary did not reduce the rate of preterm birth before 32 weeks of gestation.

Fetal abdominal cysts: Predicting adverse outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of the study was to identify risk factors associated with fetal or neonatal loss, neonatal morbidity, and the need for surgery in fetuses diagnosed with an abdominal cyst. The secondary aim was to compare the characteristics of the cyst according to trimester at diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study performed at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. The study included pregnant women aged 18 years or older with diagnosis of a fetal abdominal cyst from 2008 to 2021. RESULTS: A total of 82 women with a median gestational age of 31+1 weeks (12+0-39+4) were included in the analysis. Seven (8.5%) cases were diagnosed in the first trimester, 28 (34.1%) in the second trimester, and 47 (57.3%) in the third trimester. Fetal or neonatal loss occurred in 10 (12.2%) cases; significant predictors were diagnosis in the first trimester (OR 36.67, 95% CI: 4.89-274.79), male gender (OR 4.75, 95% CI: 1.13-19.9), and associated abnormalities (OR 15.2, 95% CI: 2.92-79.19). A total of 10 of 75 (13.3%) neonates showed at least one neonatal complication, and the only predictor was occurrence of associated abnormalities (OR 7.36, 95% CI: 1.78-30.51). A total of 16 of 75 (21.3%) neonates required postnatal surgery, and the predictors were second-trimester diagnosis (OR 3.92, 95% CI: 1.23-12.51), associated abnormalities (OR 3.81, 95% CI: 1.15-12.64), and bowel location (OR 10.0, 95% CI: 1.48-67.55). CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with adverse outcomes in fetuses diagnosed with abdominal cysts are first-trimester diagnosis and associated abnormalities. Cysts detected in the second trimester and those of intestinal origin are more likely to require surgery.

Reference values for interleukin-6 in the amniotic fluid of asymptomatic pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, proinflammatory factors are considered to play an important role in the pathophysiology of threatened preterm labor or chorioamnionitis. The aim of this study was to establish the normal reference range for interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the amniotic fluid and to identify factors which may alter this value. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study in a tertiary-level center including asymptomatic pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis for genetic studies from October 2016 to September 2019. IL-6 measurements in amniotic fluid were performed using a fluorescence immunoassay with microfluidic technology (ELLA Proteinsimple, Bio Techne). Maternal history and pregnancy data were also recorded. RESULTS: This study included 140 pregnant women. Of those, women who underwent termination of pregnancy were excluded. Therefore, a total of 98 pregnancies were included in the final statistical analysis. The mean gestational age was 21.86 weeks (range: 15-38.7) at the time of amniocentesis, and 38.6 weeks (range: 30.9-41.4) at delivery. No cases of chorioamnionitis were reported. The log10 IL-6 values follow a normal distribution (W = 0.990, p = 0.692). The median, and the 5th, 10th, 90th, and 95th percentiles for IL-6 levels were 573, 105, 130, 1645, and 2260 pg/mL, respectively. The log10 IL-6 values were not affected by gestational age (p = 0.395), maternal age (p = 0.376), body mass index (p = 0.551), ethnicity (p = 0.467), smoking status (p = 0.933), parity (p = 0.557), method of conception (p = 0.322), or diabetes mellitus (p = 0.381). CONCLUSIONS: The log10 IL-6 values follow a normal distribution. IL-6 values are independent of gestational age, maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, smoking status, parity and method of conception. Our study provides a normal reference range for IL-6 levels in the amniotic fluid that can be used in future studies. We also observed that normal IL-6 values were higher in the amniotic fluid than in serum.

Clinical effectiveness of routine first-trimester combined screening for pre-eclampsia in Spain with the addition of placental growth factor.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-eclampsia affects 2%-8% of pregnancies and is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. First-trimester screening using an algorithm that combines maternal characteristics, mean arterial blood pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index and biomarkers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and placental growth factor) is the method that achieves a greater diagnostic accuracy. It has been shown that daily salicylic acid administration before 16 weeks in women at a high risk for pre-eclampsia can reduce the incidence of preterm pre-eclampsia. However, no previous studies have evaluated the impact of routine first-trimester combined screening for pre-eclampsia with placental growth factor after being implemented in the clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a multicenter cohort study conducted in eight different maternities across Spain. Participants in the reference group were prospectively recruited between October 2015 and September 2017. Participants in the study group were retrospectively recruited between March 2019 and May 2021. Pre-eclampsia risk was calculated between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks using the Gaussian algorithm combining maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure, uterine arteries pulsatility index, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and placental growth factor. Patients with a risk greater than 1/170 were prescribed daily salicylic acid 150 mg until 36 weeks. Patients in the reference group did not receive salicylic acid during gestation. RESULTS: A significant reduction was observed in preterm pre-eclampsia (OR 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30-0.73), early-onset (<34 weeks) pre-eclampsia (OR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16-0.77), preterm small for gestational age newborn (OR 0.57; 95% CI: 0.40-0.82), spontaneous preterm birth (OR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.57-0.90), and admission to intensive care unit (OR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.37-0.81). A greater treatment adherence resulted in a significant reduction in adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Routine first-trimester screening for pre-eclampsia with placental growth factor leads to a reduction in preterm pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Aspirin treatment compliance has a great impact on the effectiveness of this screening program.

PROMPT: Prospective Meta-analysis for Pessary Trials Study Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, is a leading cause of perinatal and infant mortality throughout the world. Preterm birth is also associated with long-term neurological disabilities and other significant health issues in children. A short cervix in the second trimester has been noted to be one of the strongest predictors of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth in both singleton and multiple pregnancies. Some studies have shown that cervical support in the form of an Arabin pessary lowers the risk of preterm birth in women with a singleton gestation and short cervical length; however, other studies have conflicting results. Our objective was to form an international collaborative of planned or ongoing randomized trials of pessary in singleton and twin gestations with a short cervix. STUDY DESIGN: In November 2014, an international group of investigators, who had initiated or were planning randomized trials of pessary for pregnant people with a short cervix and singleton or twin gestation to prevent preterm birth, formed a collaboration to plan a prospective individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomized trials (PROspective Meta-analysis of Pessary Trials [PROMPT]). The PROMPT investigators agreed on meta-analysis IPD hypotheses for singletons and twins, eligibility criteria, and a set of core baseline and outcome measures. The primary outcome is a composite of fetal death or preterm delivery before 32 weeks' gestation. Secondary outcomes include maternal and neonatal morbidities. The PROMPT protocol may be viewed as a written agreement among the study investigators who make up the PROMPT consortium (PROSPERO ID# CRD42018067740). RESULTS: Results will be published in phases as the individual participating studies are concluded and published. Results of the first phase of singleton and twin pessary trials are expected to be available in late 2022. Updates are planned as participating trials are completed and published. KEY POINTS: · Short cervical length predicts preterm birth.. · Results of prior cervical pessary trials are mixed.. · Meta-analysis of pessary trials protocol..

Usefulness of angiogenic factors in prenatal counseling of late-onset fetal growth-restricted and small-for-gestational-age gestations: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To create a predictive model including biomarkers and evaluate its ability to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in late-onset small fetuses, ultimately helping to provide individualized counseling at the time of diagnosis. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study, including singleton pregnancies with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile, at a gestational age between 32 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation (WG). Variables recorded at diagnosis to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes were: soluble fms-like tyrosine-kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio (sFlt-1/PlGF), fetal Doppler (umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI), EFW percentile, gestational age, and the presence of maternal risk factors for placental insufficiency. Logistic regression models were developed for the prediction of three co-primary outcomes: composite adverse perinatal outcomes (APO), and the need for elective delivery before 35 or 37 WG. RESULTS: Sixty (52.2%) fetal growth restricted (FGR) and 55 (47.8%) small for gestational age (SGA) were enrolled. Thirteen (11.3%) women needed elective delivery before 35 WG and 27 (23.5%) women before 37 WG. At least one APO occurred in 43 (37.4%) pregnancies. The best marker in univariate analyses was the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio [AUC = 0.932 (95% CI, 0.864-0.999)]. The multivariate model including sFlt-1/PlGF showed a better predictive performance for APO than the multivariate model without sFlt-1/PlGF (P < 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: sFlt-1/PlGF is a good predictor of APO at the time of late-onset FGR/SGA diagnosis. Our predictive models may be useful to provide early individualized prenatal counseling in this group of women. Further studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings in a larger cohort.

Array study in fetuses with nuchal translucency above the 95th percentile: a 4-year observational single-centre study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in fetuses with nuchal translucency (NT) > 95th percentile. Secondary objectives were to analyze these results according to NT thickness, below or above 3.5 mm, and those without associated anomalies. METHODS: This observational single-cohort study was conducted between 2015 and 2018 in fetuses with NT > 95th percentile. Following an invasive test, quantitative fluorescence-polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) was performed, and if normal, CMA was performed. Pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs), non-reported pathogenic CNV, pathogenic autosomal recessive variants and variants of unknown significance (VUS) were analysed. RESULTS: One-hundred and sixty-two fetuses with NT > 95th percentile, normal QF-PCR and CMA were included. Amongst 128 fetuses with NT between the 95th percentile and 3.5 mm, one (0.8%) had a pathogenic CNV, four (3.1%) had non-reported pathogenic CNV, one (0.8%) had pathogenic autosomal recessive variant and 13 (10.2%) had VUS. Amongst 34 fetuses with NT ≥ 3.5 mm, four (11.8%) had pathogenic CNV, one (2.9%) had non-reported pathogenic CNV, one (2.9%) had pathogenic autosomal recessive variant and four (11.8%) had VUS. Four in 162 (2.5%) fetuses had CNVs at the chromosome 16p13.11 region. Amongst 154 fetuses without structural abnormalities and normal QF-PCR, three (1.9%) had a pathogenic CNV, 5 (3.2%) had non-reported pathogenic CNV, one (0.6%) autosomal recessive pathogenic CNV and 16 (10.4%) had VUS. CONCLUSION: Pathogenic CNVs were found in 1% of fetuses with an NT thickness between the 95th percentile and 3.5 mm and in 12% of fetuses with NT ≥ 3.5 mm. CNVs were found at the 16p13.11 region in 2.5% of cases.

Aspirin Discontinuation at 24 to 28 Weeks' Gestation in Pregnancies at High Risk of Preterm Preeclampsia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Aspirin reduces the incidence of preterm preeclampsia by 62% in pregnant individuals at high risk of preeclampsia. However, aspirin might be associated with an increased risk of peripartum bleeding, which could be mitigated by discontinuing aspirin before term (37 weeks of gestation) and by an accurate selection of individuals at higher risk of preeclampsia in the first trimester of pregnancy. Objective: To determine whether aspirin discontinuation in pregnant individuals with normal soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 to placental growth factor (sFlt-1:PlGF) ratio between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation was noninferior to aspirin continuation to prevent preterm preeclampsia. Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase 3, noninferiority trial conducted in 9 maternity hospitals across Spain. Pregnant individuals (n = 968) at high risk of preeclampsia during the first-trimester screening and an sFlt-1:PlGF ratio of 38 or less at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation were recruited between August 20, 2019, and September 15, 2021; of those, 936 were analyzed (intervention: n = 473; control: n = 463). Follow-up was until delivery for all participants. Interventions: Enrolled patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to aspirin discontinuation (intervention group) or aspirin continuation until 36 weeks of gestation (control group). Main Outcomes and Measures: Noninferiority was met if the higher 95% CI for the difference in preterm preeclampsia incidences between groups was less than 1.9%. Results: Among the 936 participants, the mean (SD) age was 32.4 (5.8) years; 3.4% were Black and 93% were White. The incidence of preterm preeclampsia was 1.48% (7/473) in the intervention group and 1.73% (8/463) in the control group (absolute difference, -0.25% [95% CI, -1.86% to 1.36%]), indicating noninferiority. Conclusions and Relevance: Aspirin discontinuation at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation was noninferior to aspirin continuation for preventing preterm preeclampsia in pregnant individuals at high risk of preeclampsia and a normal sFlt-1:PlGF ratio. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03741179 and ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu Identifier: 2018-000811-26.

Angiogenic factors for planning fetal surveillance in fetal growth restriction and small-for-gestational-age fetuses: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the added value of the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio for adjusting the periodicity of ultrasound examinations in early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA). DESIGN: A prospective, observational study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. POPULATION: One hundred and thirty-four single pregnancies with ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th centile between 20+0 and 31+6  weeks of gestation with antegrade umbilical artery flow. METHODS: The time from Doppler and sFlt-1/PlGF assessment to delivery was recorded and classified into four ranges: <1, <2, <3 and <4 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of sFlt-1/PlGF values to predict the time to delivery. RESULTS: In the SGA cohort, the NPV calculated for an sFlt-1/PlGF cut-off value of 38 was 100% for delivery before 3 weeks, and 98% for delivery before 4 weeks after diagnosis (95% CI 0.89-1.00). In the FGR cohort, the NPV calculated for an sFlt-1/PlGF cut-off value of 38 was 100% for delivery before 2 weeks after diagnosis (95% CI 0.92-1.00). By contrast, more than 50% of cases with an sFlt-1/PlGF value of >85 required an elective delivery before 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: sFlt-1/PlGF values in early-onset SGA and FGR are predictive of the time to delivery and could be used for planning fetal surveillance, by reducing the frequency of ultrasound in cases with sFlt-1/PlGF < 38 and by providing closer follow-up in cases with sFlt-1/PlGF >85. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: sFlt-1/PlGF values in early-onset SGA/FGR could be used in addition to Doppler for planning fetal surveillance.

Intrauterine cannabis exposure and fetal and maternal blood flow: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Cannabis consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy and neonatal complications. Since the underlying mechanism is unknown, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in maternal and fetal blood flow in pregnancies exposed to cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study between 2013 and 2020, included women with continued cannabis exposure during the pregnancies, defined by qualitative detection of THC in urine (Cannabis Group), and low-risk pregnancy women divided into tobacco smokers (Tobacco Group), and non-tobacco smokers (Control Group). We evaluated the association between cannabis consumption and maternal and fetal blood flow parameters measured by Doppler ultrasound: uterine artery at 11-14, 20-22 and 33-35 weeks, umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery at 33-35 weeks. Cerebral-placental ratio was calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 275 participants were included, 60 in the Cannabis Group, 17 in the Tobacco Group and 198 in the Control Group. At 33-35 weeks, differences were found in the umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) (1.05 ± 0.23, 1.06 ± 0.19, 0.93 ± 0.15, P < 0.01), middle cerebral artery PI (1.75 ± 0.35, 1.90 ± 0.45, 1.88 ± 0.34, P < 0.05), cerebral-placental ratio (1.69 ± 0.40, 1.85 ± 0.53, 2.07 ± 0.47, P < 0.05) and mean uterine artery PI (0.89 ± 0.26, 0.73 ± 0.19, 0.74 ± 0.20, P < 0.01), respectively. On logistic regression analysis, adjusted for maternal age, maternal body mass index, maternal weight and white ethnicity, both cannabis and tobacco were predictors for increased umbilical artery PI, but only cannabis was a predictor for a decreased cerebral-placental ratio and an increased uterine artery PI at 33-35 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Data from a large cohort of continuous cannabis exposure pregnancies show that cannabis is associated with maternal and fetal blood flow changes. However, it is not possible to disentangle the association of the tobacco and cannabis.

Gestational age-based reference ranges for cervical length and preterm birth prediction in triplet pregnancies: an observational retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To develop gestational age-based reference ranges for cervical length in triplet pregnancies. The secondary objective was to assess the performance of cervical length measured between 18 and 20 + 6 days for the prediction of preterm delivery before 28 and 32 weeks, respectively. METHODS: Observational retrospective study of triplet pregnancies in three Spanish tertiary-care hospitals between 2001 and 2019. Cervical length measurements were consecutively obtained between 15 and 34 weeks of gestation. Pregnancies undergoing multifetal reduction or fetal surgery were excluded. RESULTS: Two hundred and six triplet pregnancies were included in the final analysis. There was a quadratic decrease in cervical length with gestational age. The median and fifth centiles for cervical length at 20 weeks were 35 and 13 mm. In the prediction of preterm birth < 28 weeks, for a false positive rate of 5%, and 10%, the detection rates were 40.9%, and 40.9%, respectively, and the prediction of preterm birth < 32 weeks, 22.0% and 26.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In triplet pregnancies, cervical length decreases with gestational age. The performance of cervical length at 18-20 + 6 in screening for preterm birth before 28 and 32 weeks is poor.

Cervical pessary and cerclage placement for preterm birth prevention and cervicovaginal microbiome changes.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to compare the vaginal microbiome in low-risk and high-risk pregnant women and to explore a potential association between vaginal microbiome and preterm birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A pilot, consecutive, longitudinal, multicenter study was conducted in pregnant women at 18-22 weeks of gestation. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: control (normal cervix), pessary (cervical length ≤25 mm) and cerclage (cervical length ≤25 mm or history of preterm birth). Analysis and comparison of vaginal microbiota as a primary outcome was performed at inclusion and at 30 weeks of gestation, along with a follow-up of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. We assessed the vaginal microbiome of pregnant women presenting a short cervix with that of pregnant women having a normal cervix, and compared the vaginal microbiome of women with a short cervix before and after placement of a cervical pessary or a cervical cerclage. RESULTS: The microbiome of our control cohort was dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus and inners. Five community state types were identified and microbiome diversity did not change significantly over 10 weeks in controls. On the other hand, a short cervix was associated with a lower microbial load and higher microbial richness, and was not correlated with Lactobacillus relative abundance. After intervention, the cerclage group (n = 19) had a significant increase in microbial richness and a shift towards community state types driven by various bacterial species, including Lactobacillus mulieris, unidentified Bifidobacterium or Enterococcus. These changes were not significantly observed in the pessary (n = 26) and control (n = 35) groups. The cerclage group had more threatened preterm labor episodes and poorer outcomes than the control and pessary groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that a short cervix is associated with an altered vaginal microbiome community structure. The use of a cerclage for preterm birth prevention, as compared with a pessary, was associated with a microbial community harboring a relatively low abundance of Lactobacillus, with more threatened preterm labor episodes, and with poorer clinical outcomes.

Shared risk factors for COVID-19 and preeclampsia in the first trimester: An observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The association between preeclampsia and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is under study. Previous publications have hypothesized the existence of shared risk factors for both conditions or a deficient trophoblastic invasion as possible explanations for this association. The primary aim of this study was to examine baseline risk factors measured in the first-trimester combined screening for preeclampsia in pregnant women with COVID-19 compared with the general population. A secondary aim of this study was to compare risk factors among patients with mild and severe COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study conducted at Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus (Catalonia, Spain). Study patients were 231 pregnant women undergoing the first-trimester screening for preeclampsia and positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 between February 2020 and September 2021. The reference cohort were 13 033 women of the general population from six centers across Catalonia from May 2019 to June 2021. Based on the need for hospitalization, patients were classified in two groups: mild and severe COVID-19. First-trimester screening for preeclampsia included maternal history, mean arterial blood pressure, mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI), placental growth factor (PlGF), and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). RESULTS: The proportion of cases at high risk for preeclampsia was significantly higher among the COVID-19 group compared with the general population (19.0% and 13.2%, respectively; p = 0.012). When analyzing risk factors for preeclampsia individually, women with COVID-19 had higher median body mass index (25.2 vs 24.5, p = 0.041), higher UtAPI multiple of the median (MoM) (1.08 vs 1.00, p < 0.001), higher incidence of chronic hypertension (2.8% vs 0.9%, p = 0.015), and there were fewer smokers (5.7% vs 11.6%, p = 0.007). The MoMs of PlGF and PAPP-A did not differ significantly between both groups (0.96 vs 0.97, p = 0.760 and 1.00 vs 1.01, p = 0.432; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19, there was a higher proportion of women at high risk for preeclampsia at the first-trimester screening than in the general population, mainly because of maternal risk factors, rather than placental signs of a deficient trophoblastic invasion.

The Overlooked Impact of Lower Uterine Segment Contractions on Second Trimester Cervical Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Asymptomatic contractions in the lower uterine segment (LUS) may affect uterocervical angle and cervical length (CL); however, this has never been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LUS contractions on uterocervical angle, CL, and LUS thickness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, single-cohort study conducted on 102 asymptomatic singleton pregnancies between 19.0 and 22.6 weeks of gestation. Uterocervical angle and CL were measured by transvaginal ultrasound at two different time points with an interval of at least 20 min. LUS thickness was also measured as an indirect marker of myometrial contraction. A linear and curvilinear regression were performed to explore a potential association between LUS contractions, measured as increments in LUS thickness, and changes in CL and uterocervical angle. RESULTS: The linear regression between changes in LUS thickness and changes in CL showed that LUS contractions impact CL; for every 1-mm increase in LUS thickness, CL increased by 0.909 mm, when the isthmus was included in the CL measurement (R2 = 0.358; ß = 0.909; p < 0.001). By contrast, when the isthmus was not included in the measurement, a curvilinear relation between changes in LUS thickness and changes in CL was found (R2 = 0.077; ß1 = 0.575, ß2 = 0.038; p = 0.018). The relation between changes in uterocervical angle and changes in LUS thickness was not significant. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: LUS contractions can be observed in many asymptomatic women during the second trimester of pregnancy. LUS contractions lead to an increase in CL and LUS thickness, thus impacting ultrasound cervical assessments. These contractions do not affect the uterocervical angle.

sFlt-1 to PlGF ratio cut-offs to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in early-onset FGR and SGA: a prospective observational study.

This is a prospective, observational study, conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. We enrolled 175 singleton pregnancies with estimated foetal weight below the 10th centile between 20 + 0 and 31 + 6 weeks. Placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and fetoplacental circulation were assessed at the time of diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the performance of sFlt-1/PlGF for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes (APO). The optimal cut-offs to predict each adverse outcome were calculated and the resulting areas under the curve (AUC) were compared to those calculated from the cut-off points of 38, 85 and 110. The need for delivery at <30 and <34 weeks and APO were the main outcome measures. The optimal cut-off points to predict APO, delivery <30 and <34 weeks were 24.9, 116.7 and 97.5, respectively. None of them proved to be superior to 38, 85 or 110 for predicting any adverse pregnancy outcome. Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are biomarkers of placental dysfunction. High sFlt-1/PlGF values predict adverse perinatal outcomes in preeclampsia (PE).What do the results of this study add? No specific thresholds have been described to identify early-onset foetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) foetuses at higher risk of adverse outcomes. This study describes these specific cut-offs and compares their predictive capacity to those described for PE.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The sFlt-1/PlGF cut-off points of 38, 85 and 110 might be useful for ruling out the occurrence of APO and the need for elective delivery at <30 and at <34 weeks from the moment of diagnosis in early-onset FGR and SGA. These cut-offs could aid Doppler studies in the distinction between FGR and SGA.

COVID-19 and pregnancy: An opportunity to correct an historic gender bias.

Current literature and clinical guidelines do not include pregnant women as an a priori risk group for COVID-19. However, a gender vision of health begs the question: Why are pregnant women not considered a risk group for COVID-19? The answer is clear: historically, most community scientific studies have not considered female gender, or pregnancy as a state, to be a focus of special interest or effort. Unfortunately, this bias seems to be maintained in the COVID-19 epidemic: most current guidelines for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy apply the same standard criteria as for the general population.