[Fetal death: Expert consensus from the College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians]. / Mort fœtale : consensus formalisé d'experts du Collège national des gynécologues-obstétriciens français.

Fetal death is defined as the spontaneous cessation of cardiac activity after fourteen weeks of amenorrhea. In France, the prevalence of fetal death after 22 weeks is between 3.2 and 4.4/1000 births. Regarding the prevention of fetal death in the general population, it is not recommended to counsel for rest and not to prescribe vitamin A, vitamin D nor micronutrient supplementation for the sole purpose of reducing the risk of fetal death (Weak recommendations; Low quality of evidence). It is not recommended to prescribe aspirin (Weak recommendation; Very low quality of evidence). It is recommended to offer vaccination against influenza in epidemic periods and against SARS-CoV-2 (Strong recommendations; Low quality of evidence). It is not recommended to systematically look for nuchal cord encirclements during prenatal screening ultrasounds (Strong Recommendation; Low Quality of Evidence) and not to perform systematic antepartum monitoring by cardiotocography (Weak Recommendation; Very Low Quality of Evidence). It is not recommended to ask women to perform an active fetal movement count to reduce the risk of fetal death (Strong Recommendation; High Quality of Evidence). Regarding evaluation in the event of fetal death, it is suggested that an external fetal examination be systematically offered (Expert opinion). It is recommended that a fetopathological and anatomopathological examination of the placenta be carried out to participate in cause identification (Strong Recommendation. Moderate quality of evidence). It is recommended that chromosomal analysis by microarray testing be performed rather than conventional karyotype, in order to be able to identify a potentially causal anomaly more frequently (Strong Recommendation, moderate quality of evidence); to this end, it is suggested that postnatal sampling of the placental fetal surface for genetic purposes be preferred (Expert Opinion). It is suggested to test for antiphospholipid antibodies and systematically perform a Kleihauer test and a test for irregular agglutinins (Expert opinion). It is suggested to offer a summary consultation, with the aim of assessing the physical and psychological status of the parents, reporting the results, discussing the cause and providing information on monitoring for a subsequent pregnancy (Expert opinion). Regarding announcement and support, it is suggested to announce fetal death without ambiguity, using simple words and adapting to each situation, and then to support couples with empathy in the various stages of their care (Expert opinion). Regarding management, it is suggested that, in the absence of a situation at risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation or maternal vitality, the patient's wishes should be taken into account when determining the time between the diagnosis of fetal death and induction of birth. Returning home is possible if it's the patient wish (Expert opinion). In all situations excluding maternal life-threatening emergencies, the preferred mode of delivery is vaginal delivery, regardless the history of cesarean section(s) history (Expert opinion). In the event of fetal death, it is recommended that mifepristone 200mg be prescribed at least 24hours before induction, to reduce the delay between induction and delivery (Low recommendation. Low quality of evidence). There are insufficient data in the literature to make a recommendation regarding the route of administration (vaginal or oral) of misoprostol, neither the type of prostaglandin to reduce induction-delivery time or maternal morbidity. It is suggested that perimedullary analgesia be introduced at the start of induction if the patient asks, regardless of gestational age. It is suggested to prescribe cabergoline immediately in the postpartum period in order to avoid lactation, whatever the gestational age, after discussing the side effects of the treatment with the patient (Expert opinion). The risk of recurrence of fetal death after unexplained fetal death does not appear to be increased in subsequent pregnancies, and data from the literature are insufficient to make a recommendation on the prescription of aspirin. In the event of a history of fetal death due to vascular issues, low-dose aspirin is recommended to reduce perinatal morbidity, and should not be combined with heparin therapy (Low recommendation, very low quality of evidence). It is suggested not to recommend an optimal delay before initiating another pregnancy just because of the history of fetal death. It is suggested that the woman and co-parent be informed of the possibility of psychological support. Fetal heart rate monitoring is not indicated solely because of a history of fetal death. It is suggested that delivery not be systematically induced. However, induction can be considered depending on the context and parental request. The gestational age will be discussed, taking into account the benefits and risks, especially before 39 weeks. If a cause of fetal death is identified, management will be adapted on a case-by-case basis (expert opinion). In the event of fetal death occurring in a twin pregnancy, it is suggested that the surviving twin be evaluated as soon as the diagnosis of fetal death is made. In the case of dichorionic pregnancy, it is suggested to offer ultrasound monitoring on a monthly basis. It is suggested not to deliver prematurely following fetal death of a twin. If fetal death occurs in a monochorionic twin pregnancy, it is suggested to contact the referral competence center, in order to urgently look for signs of acute fetal anemia on ultrasound in the surviving twin, and to carry out weekly ultrasound monitoring for the first month. It is suggested not to induce birth immediately.

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in pregnant women in an amazonian region: a large retrospective study from French Guiana.

PURPOSE: Over the past decade, the Amazon basin has faced numerous infectious epidemics. Our comprehension of the actual extent of these infections during pregnancy remains limited. This study aimed to clarify the clinical and epidemiological features of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases during pregnancy in western French Guiana and along the Maroni River over the previous nine years. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled pregnant women living in west French Guiana territory and giving birth in the only local referral center after 22 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2021. Data on symptomatic or asymptomatic biologically confirmed emerging or re-emerging diseases during pregnancy was collected. RESULTS: Six epidemic waves were experienced during the study period, including 498 confirmed Zika virus infections (2016), 363 SARS-CoV-2 infections (2020-2021), 87 chikungunya virus infections (2014), 76 syphilis infections (2013-2021), and 60 dengue virus infections (2013-2021) at different gestational ages. Furthermore, 1.1% (n = 287) and 1.4% (n = 350) of pregnant women in west French Guiana were living with HIV and HTLV, respectively. During the study period, at least 5.5% (n = 1,371) faced an emerging or re-emerging infection during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the diversity, abundance, and dynamism of emerging and re-emerging infectious agents faced by pregnant women in the Amazon basin. Considering the maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes associated with these infections, increased efforts are required to enhance diagnosis, reporting, and treatment of these conditions.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of French prospective multicenter cohort study COVIPREG during the first two COVID-19 waves.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women was the subject of many questions since the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We aim to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection contracted during 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy during the first two COVID-19 waves across a prospective French multicenter cohort study. Patients were included between April 2020 and January 2021 in 10 maternity hospitals in Paris area with two groups (i) pregnant women with a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR between [14WG; 37WG[(symptomatic infection), (ii) pregnant women with a negative serology (or equivocal) at delivery and without a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR at any time during pregnancy (G2 group) MAIN FINDINGS: 2410 pregnant women were included, of whom 310 had a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR and 217 between [14WG; 37WG[. Most infections occurred between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation (56 %). Most patients could be managed as outpatients, while 23 % had to be hospitalized. Among women with a positive RT-PCR, multiparous women were over-represented (OR = 2.45[1.52;3.87]); were more likely to deliver before 37 weeks of gestation (OR = 2.19[1.44;3.24]) and overall cesarean deliveries were significantly increased (OR = 1.53[1.09;2.13]). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal burden associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections during the first two pandemic waves before availability of vaccines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04355234 (registration date: 21/04/2020).

[Prevention of Rh D alloimmunization in the first trimester of the pregnancy: French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for clinical practice]. / Prévention de l'allo-immunisation anti-RH1 au premier trimestre de la grossesse : recommandations pour la pratique clinique du Collège national des gynécologues-obstétriciens français.

OBJECTIVE: To provide recommendations for the prevention of Rh D alloimmunization in the first trimester of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The quality of evidence of the literature was assessed following the GRADE methodology with questions formulated in the PICO format (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) and outcomes defined a priori and classified according to their importance. An extensive bibliographic search was performed on Pubmed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of evidence was assessed (high, moderate, low, very low) and a recommendation was formulated: (i) strong, (ii) weak, or (iii) no recommendation. The recommendations were reviewed in two rounds with reviewers from the scientific board of the French College of the OB/GYN (Delphi survey) to select the consensus recommendations. RESULTS: The three recommendations from PICO questions reached agreement using the Delphi method. It is recommended not to administer Rh D immunoglobulin before 12 weeks of gestation to reduce the risk of alloimmunization in case of abortion or miscarriage, in RhD negative patients when the genitor is RhD positive or unknown (Weak recommendation. Very low-quality evidence). It is recommended not to administer Rh D immunoglobulin before 12 weeks of gestation to reduce the risk of alloimmunization in cases of bleeding in an ongoing intrauterine pregnancy (Weak recommendation. Very low-quality evidence). The literature data are insufficient in quality and quantity to determine if the injection of Rh D immunoglobulin reduces the risk of alloimmunization in the case of an ectopic pregnancy (No recommendation. Very low-quality evidence). CONCLUSION: Even though the quality of evidence from the studies is very low, it is recommended not to administer Rh D immunoglobulin in case of abortion, miscarriage or bleeding before 12 weeks of amenorrhea. The quality of evidence was too low to issue a recommendation regarding ectopic pregnancy.

Impact of an e-learning training for interpreting intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring to avoid perinatal asphyxia: A before-after multicenter observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal asphyxia, a condition that results from compromised placental or pulmonary gas exchange during the birth process, is rare but can lead to serious neonatal and long-term consequences. The visual analysis of cardiotocography (CTG) is designed to avoid perinatal asphyxia, but its interpretation can be difficult. Our aim was to test the impact of an e-learning training program for interpreting CTG on the rate of avoidable perinatal asphyxia at term. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective multicenter before-after study comparing two periods, before and after the implementation of e-learning training program from July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, in CTG interpretation for midwives and obstetricians in five maternity hospitals in the Paris area, France. The training involved theoretical aspects such as fetal physiology and heart rhythm abnormalities, followed by practical exercises using real case studies to enhance skills in interpreting CTG. We included all term births that occurred between the "before" period (July 1 to December 31, 2014) and the "after period (January 1 to June 30, 2017). We excluded multiple pregnancies, antenatal detection of congenital abnormalities, breech births and all scheduled caesarean sections. Perinatal asphyxia cases were analyzed by a pair of experts consisting of midwives and obstetricians, and avoidability of perinatal asphyxia was estimated. The main criterion was the prevalence of avoidable perinatal asphyxia. RESULTS: The e-learning program was performed by 83 % of the obstetrician-gynecologists and 65 % of the midwives working in the delivery rooms of the five centers. The prevalence of perinatal asphyxia was 0.45 % (29/7902 births) before the training and 0.54 % (35/7722) after. The rate of perinatal asphyxia rated as avoidable was 0.30 % of live births before the training and 0.28 % after (p = 0.870). The main causes of perinatal asphyxia deemed avoidable were delay in reactions to severe CTG anomalies and errors in the analysis and interpretation of the CTG. These causes did not differ between the two periods. CONCLUSION: One session of e-learning training to analyze CTG was not associated with a reduction in avoidable perinatal asphyxia. Other types of e-learning, repeated and implemented over a longer period should be evaluated.

Trends in harmful drug exposure during pregnancy in France between 2013 and 2019: A nationwide cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the trends of exposure to harmful drugs during pregnancy over recent years in France. DESIGN: Nationwide cohort study. SETTING: The French National administrative health Data System (SNDS). POPULATION: Pregnancies starting between 2013 and 2019 and outcomes corresponding to live births, medical terminations of pregnancy, and stillbirths. METHODS: Each pregnancy was divided into a preconceptional period of 90 days before conception and three trimesters from conception to birth. Harmful drugs were defined according to their risks to the fetus: teratogenicity or fetotoxicity. Exposure was defined using the critical period during pregnancy for each type of harmful drug: preconceptional period or first trimester for teratogenic drugs and second or third trimesters for fetotoxic drugs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of pregnancies exposed to at least one harmful drug. RESULTS: Among 5,253,284 pregnancies, 204,402 (389 per 10,000) pregnancies were exposed to at least one harmful drug during the critical periods: 48,326 (92 per 10,000) pregnancies were exposed to teratogenic drugs during the preconceptional period or the first trimester, and 155,514 (299 per 10,000) pregnancies were exposed to fetotoxic drugs during the second or third trimesters. Teratogenic drugs were mainly retinoids for topical use (44 per 10,000 pregnancies), antiepileptics (13 per 10,000 pregnancies) and statins (13 per 10,000 pregnancies). Fetotoxic drugs were mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for systemic (128 per 10,000 pregnancies) and topical use (122 per 10,000 pregnancies). Exposure to teratogenic drugs decreased from the preconceptional period to the first trimester. Exposure to fetotoxic drugs decreased from the second to the third trimester. Between 2013 and 2019, we found a decrease in harmful drug exposure overall, mainly for topical and systemic NSAIDs and for topical retinoids. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide study, about one in 25 pregnancies was exposed to at least one harmful drug, mainly NSAIDs and topical retinoids. Although the prevalence of harmful drug exposure decreased over the study period, NSAID exposure in the second and third trimester remains of concern.