Screening and prevention of preterm birth: how is it done in clinical practice?

Objective: To ascertain how screening for preterm birth is performed among obstetricians working in public and private practice in a middle-income country. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 265 obstetrician-gynecologists employed at public and private facilities. An online questionnaire was administered, with items designed to collect data on prematurity screening and prevention practices. Results: The mean age of respondents was 44.5 years; 78.5% were female, and 97.7% had completed a medical residency program. Universal screening (i.e., by ultrasound measurement of cervical length) was carried out by only 11.3% of respondents in public practice; 43% request transvaginal ultrasound if the manual exam is abnormal, and 74.6% request it in pregnant women with risk factors for preterm birth. Conversely, 60.7% of respondents in private practice performed universal screening. This difference in screening practices between public and private practice was highly significant (p < 0.001). Nearly all respondents (90.6%) reported prescribing vaginal progesterone for short cervix. Conclusion: In the setting of this study, universal ultrasound screening to prevent preterm birth was used by just over half of doctors in private practice. In public facilities, screening was even less common. Use of vaginal progesterone in cervical shortening was highly prevalent. There is an unmet need for formal protocols for screening and prevention of preterm birth in middle-income settings.

Screening and prevention of preterm birth: how is it done in clinical practice?

Abstract Objective: To ascertain how screening for preterm birth is performed among obstetricians working in public and private practice in a middle-income country. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 265 obstetrician-gynecologists employed at public and private facilities. An online questionnaire was administered, with items designed to collect data on prematurity screening and prevention practices. Results: The mean age of respondents was 44.5 years; 78.5% were female, and 97.7% had completed a medical residency program. Universal screening (i.e., by ultrasound measurement of cervical length) was carried out by only 11.3% of respondents in public practice; 43% request transvaginal ultrasound if the manual exam is abnormal, and 74.6% request it in pregnant women with risk factors for preterm birth. Conversely, 60.7% of respondents in private practice performed universal screening. This difference in screening practices between public and private practice was highly significant (p < 0.001). Nearly all respondents (90.6%) reported prescribing vaginal progesterone for short cervix. Conclusion: In the setting of this study, universal ultrasound screening to prevent preterm birth was used by just over half of doctors in private practice. In public facilities, screening was even less common. Use of vaginal progesterone in cervical shortening was highly prevalent. There is an unmet need for formal protocols for screening and prevention of preterm birth in middle-income settings.

Factors Associated with the Chance of Carrying out a Primary Cesarean in a University Hospital / Fatores associados à chance de realização de cesariana primária em hospital universitário

Abstract Objective The present study seeks to identify the associated factors that increased primary cesarean delivery rates. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated the number of primary cesarean sections performed in the years 2006 and 2018 at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA, in the Portuguese acronym), through the collection of data from the medical records of the patients. Results Advanced maternal age, twin pregnancy, and higher body mass index (BMI) became more frequent in 2018 in comparison with 2006. To mitigate the impact of confounding in comparisons among groups, we made an adjustment by propensity scores and detected significant differences when comparing both age groups on twin pregnancy rates, gestational diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disease. Conclusion Data from the present study can be used to prevent and improve the management of morbidities, impacting on better outcomes in obstetrical practice.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo busca identificar os fatores associados que aumentam as taxas de partos cesáreos primários. Métodos Estudo transversal, avaliando o número de cesáreas primárias realizadas nos anos de 2006 e 2018 no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), por meio da coleta de dados nos prontuários das pacientes. Resultados Idade materna avançada, gravidez gemelar e índice de massa corporal (IMC) mais elevado tornaram-se mais frequentes em 2018. Para mitigar o impacto dos fatores de confusão nas comparações entre os grupos, fizemos um ajuste por escores de propensão e detectamos diferenças significativas nas taxas de gravidez gemelar, diabetes mellitus gestacional e doença da tireoide. Conclusão Os dados do presente estudo podem ser utilizados para prevenir e melhorar o manejo de morbidades, impactando em melhores resultados na prática obstétrica.

Factors Associated with the Chance of Carrying out a Primary Cesarean in a University Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The present study seeks to identify the associated factors that increased primary cesarean delivery rates. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated the number of primary cesarean sections performed in the years 2006 and 2018 at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA, in the Portuguese acronym), through the collection of data from the medical records of the patients. RESULTS: Advanced maternal age, twin pregnancy, and higher body mass index (BMI) became more frequent in 2018 in comparison with 2006. To mitigate the impact of confounding in comparisons among groups, we made an adjustment by propensity scores and detected significant differences when comparing both age groups on twin pregnancy rates, gestational diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disease. CONCLUSION: Data from the present study can be used to prevent and improve the management of morbidities, impacting on better outcomes in obstetrical practice.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo busca identificar os fatores associados que aumentam as taxas de partos cesáreos primários. MéTODOS: Estudo transversal, avaliando o número de cesáreas primárias realizadas nos anos de 2006 e 2018 no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), por meio da coleta de dados nos prontuários das pacientes. RESULTADOS: Idade materna avançada, gravidez gemelar e índice de massa corporal (IMC) mais elevado tornaram-se mais frequentes em 2018. Para mitigar o impacto dos fatores de confusão nas comparações entre os grupos, fizemos um ajuste por escores de propensão e detectamos diferenças significativas nas taxas de gravidez gemelar, diabetes mellitus gestacional e doença da tireoide. CONCLUSãO: Os dados do presente estudo podem ser utilizados para prevenir e melhorar o manejo de morbidades, impactando em melhores resultados na prática obstétrica.

Temporal Evolution of Maternal Mortality: 1980-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the profile of maternal deaths occurred in the period between 2000 and 2019 in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA, in the Portuguese acronym) and to compare it with maternal deaths between 1980 and 1999 in the same institution. METHODS: Retrospective study that analyzed 2,481 medical records of women between 10 and 49 years old who died between 2000 and 2018. The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee (CAAE 78021417600005327). RESULTS: After reviewing 2,481 medical records of women who died in reproductive age, 43 deaths had occurred during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Of these, 28 were considered maternal deaths. The maternal mortality ratio was 37.6 per 100,000 live births. Regarding causes, 16 deaths (57.1%) were directly associated with pregnancy, 10 (35.1%) were indirectly associated, and 2 (7.1%) were unrelated. The main cause of death was hypertension during pregnancy (31.2%) followed by acute liver steatosis during pregnancy (25%). In the previous study, published in 2003 in the same institution4, the mortality rate was 129 per 100,000 live births, and most deaths were related to direct obstetric causes (62%). The main causes of death in this period were due to hypertensive complications (17.2%), followed by postcesarean infection (16%). CONCLUSION: Compared with data before the decade of 2000, there was an important reduction in maternal deaths due to infectious causes.

OBJETIVO: Determinar o perfil dos óbitos maternos ocorridos no período de 2000 a 2019 no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) e comparar com os óbitos maternos entre 1980 e 1999 na mesma instituição. MéTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo que analisou 2.400 prontuários de mulheres entre 10 e 49 anos que morreram entre 2000 e 2019. O presente estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética (CAAE 78021417600005327). RESULTADOS: Após revisão de 2.481 prontuários de mulheres que morreram em idade reprodutiva, 43 mortes ocorreram durante a gravidez ou no período pós-parto. Destas, 28 foram considerados óbitos maternos. A taxa de mortalidade materna foi de 37.6 por 100.000 nascidos vivos. Em relação às causas, 16 óbitos (57.1%) estiveram diretamente associados à gravidez, 10 (35.1%) estiveram indiretamente associados e 2 (7.1%) não estiveram relacionados. A principal causa de morte foi hipertensão na gravidez (31.2%) seguida de esteatose hepática aguda da gravidez (25%). No estudo anterior, publicado em 2003 na mesma instituição4, a taxa de mortalidade foi de 129 por 100.000 nascidos vivos, e a maioria dos óbitos estava relacionada a causas obstétricas diretas (62%). As principais causas de óbito neste período foram por complicações hipertensivas (17.2%), seguidas de infecção pós-cesárea (16%). CONCLUSãO: Em comparação com os dados anteriores à década de 2000, houve uma redução importante das mortes maternas por causas infecciosas.

Temporal Evolution of Maternal Mortality: 1980-2019 / Evolução temporal da mortalidade materna: 1980-2019

Abstract Objective To determine the profile of maternal deaths occurred in the period between 2000 and 2019 in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA, in the Portuguese acronym) and to compare it with maternal deaths between 1980 and 1999 in the same institution. Methods Retrospective study that analyzed 2,481 medical records of women between 10 and 49 years old who died between 2000 and 2018. The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee (CAAE 78021417600005327). Results After reviewing 2,481 medical records of women who died in reproductive age, 43 deaths had occurred during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Of these, 28 were considered maternal deaths. The maternal mortality ratio was 37.6 per 100,000 live births. Regarding causes, 16 deaths (57.1%) were directly associated with pregnancy, 10 (35.1%) were indirectly associated, and 2 (7.1%) were unrelated. The main cause of death was hypertension during pregnancy (31.2%) followed by acute liver steatosis during pregnancy (25%). In the previous study, published in 2003 in the same institution4, the mortality rate was 129 per 100,000 live births, and most deaths were related to direct obstetric causes (62%). The main causes of death in this period were due to hypertensive complications (17.2%), followed by postcesarean infection (16%). Conclusion Compared with data before the decade of 2000, there was an important reduction in maternal deaths due to infectious causes.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar o perfil dos óbitos maternos ocorridos no período de 2000 a 2019 no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) e comparar com os óbitos maternos entre 1980 e 1999 na mesma instituição. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo que analisou 2.400 prontuários de mulheres entre 10 e 49 anos que morreram entre 2000 e 2019. O presente estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética (CAAE 78021417600005327). Resultados Após revisão de 2.481 prontuários de mulheres que morreram em idade reprodutiva, 43 mortes ocorreram durante a gravidez ou no período pós-parto. Destas, 28 foram considerados óbitos maternos. A taxa de mortalidade materna foi de 37.6 por 100.000 nascidos vivos. Em relação às causas, 16 óbitos (57.1%) estiveram diretamente associados à gravidez, 10 (35.1%) estiveram indiretamente associados e 2 (7.1%) não estiveram relacionados. A principal causa de morte foi hipertensão na gravidez (31.2%) seguida de esteatose hepática aguda da gravidez (25%). No estudo anterior, publicado em 2003 na mesma instituição4, a taxa de mortalidade foi de 129 por 100.000 nascidos vivos, e a maioria dos óbitos estava relacionada a causas obstétricas diretas (62%). As principais causas de óbito neste período foram por complicações hipertensivas (17.2%), seguidas de infecção pós-cesárea (16%). Conclusão Em comparação com os dados anteriores à década de 2000, houve uma redução importante das mortes maternas por causas infecciosas.

Adolescent pregnancy: Maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with and without preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of preeclampsia (PE) in adolescents and to evaluate its association with risk factors for, and the occurrence of, adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. RESULTS: Of 3006 deliveries, 533 (17.7%) were from teenage mothers, with twenty-eight (5.3%) presenting PE; 17.8% of these cases were classed as severe. Vitamin and mineral supplementation was associated with the occurrence of PE (p=0.034). Puerperal complications and prematurity were more frequent in the PE group. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of PE among adolescents was similar to the literature data and was associated with high rates of preterm birth and puerperal complications.

Comparison of serum selenium levels among hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate serum selenium levels with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in a selected population and evaluate this mineral as a possible protective factor. METHODS: This case-control study included 32 normotensive, 20 hypertensive (chronic and gestational hypertension), and 38 preeclamptic pregnant women. All patients were recruited from antenatal or obstetric admissions of a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Serum selenium was measured at the time of inclusion. Patients were followed up until hospital discharge after delivery. RESULTS: Groups did not differ with regard to maternal age, ethnicity, educational attainment, parity, or smoking prevalence. Normotensive patients had lower body mass index and were included in the study earlier. These patients also had a higher prevalence of comorbidities other than hypertension. Continuous use of medication and a history of HDP in previous pregnancies were more common in preeclamptic patients. Serum selenium levels were not significantly different between groups, with an average of 56.4 ± 15.3 µg/L in the control group, 53.2 ± 15.2 µg/L in the hypertension group, and 53.3 ± 16.8 µg/L in the preeclampsia group (p = 0.67). Among patients with preeclampsia, 52.6% had the severe form. Serum selenium levels in these patients also did not differ significantly from those of controls (p = 0.77). Preeclampsia was associated with earlier termination of pregnancy and lower birth weight (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences across groups in other outcomes of interest. CONCLUSION: Serum selenium levels did not differ significantly between groups. Thus, we could not establish whether selenium is a protective factor against these conditions.

Natriuria and calciuria levels in preeclampsia: a cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Sodium excretion abnormalities in preeclampsia have been studied in relation to several factors. The objective of this study was to compare natriuria (mEq/24 h) and calciuria levels (mg/24 h) in preeclamptic patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: An analytical cross-sectional study with a control group was conducted in the obstetric center and the high-risk pregnancy outpatient clinic at a university hospital in southern Brazil, and in a primary healthcare unit in the same city, including pregnant women with mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia or chronic hypertension, and women with normal pregnancies (14 patients in each group). METHOD: Natriuria was measured using an ion-selective electrode in an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitache 917, Roche). All the patients collected 24-hour urine, at home or at the hospital, for analysis of proteins, creatinine, calcium, sodium and uric acid. Quantitative variables with asymmetrical distribution were described using the median, minimum and maximum, and were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results were logarithmically transformed, with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) by ranks and then the post-hoc Tukey test, and were analyzed by means of the Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The significance level used was 0.05. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups in comparing severe preeclampsia with chronic hypertension and severe preeclampsia with controls (P < 0.0001 for both measurements). CONCLUSION: Natriuria levels may be lower in preeclampsia when associated with calciuria. Natriuria assessment is an additional test for differential diagnosis of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy, but is a poor predictor when used alone.

Natriuria and calciuria levels in preeclampsia: a cross-sectional study / Valores de natriúria e calciúria na pré-eclâmpsia: estudo transversal

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Sodium excretion abnormalities in preeclampsia have been studied in relation to several factors. The objective of this study was to compare natriuria (mEq/24 h) and calciuria levels (mg/24 h) in preeclamptic patients. DESIGN AND SETTING An analytical cross-sectional study with a control group was conducted in the obstetric center and the high-risk pregnancy outpatient clinic at a university hospital in southern Brazil, and in a primary healthcare unit in the same city, including pregnant women with mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia or chronic hypertension, and women with normal pregnancies (14 patients in each group). METHOD Natriuria was measured using an ion-selective electrode in an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitache 917, Roche). All the patients collected 24-hour urine, at home or at the hospital, for analysis of proteins, creatinine, calcium, sodium and uric acid. Quantitative variables with asymmetrical distribution were described using the median, minimum and maximum, and were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results were logarithmically transformed, with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) by ranks and then the post-hoc Tukey test, and were analyzed by means of the Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The significance level used was 0.05. RESULTS There were significant differences between the groups in comparing severe preeclampsia with chronic hypertension and severe preeclampsia with controls (P < 0.0001 for both measurements). CONCLUSION Natriuria levels may be lower in preeclampsia when associated with calciuria. Natriuria assessment is an additional test for differential diagnosis of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy, but is a poor predictor when used alone. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO Alterações na excreção de sódio têm sido estudadas na pré-eclâmpsia relacionadas a vários fatores. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar natriúria (mEq/24 h) com os níveis de calciúria (mg/24 h) em pacientes pré-eclâmpticas. ESTUDO E LOCAL Estudo transversal analítico com grupo controle foi realizado no Centro Obstétrico e no Ambulatório de Gestação de Alto Risco em um hospital universitário no sul do Brasil, e na Unidade Básica de Saúde na mesma cidade, incluindo gestantes com pré-eclâmpsia leve e grave, hipertensão crônica e gestações normais, com 14 pacientes em cada grupo. MÉTODO A natriuria foi dosada através da medida de íon eletrodo seletivo, utilizando analizadores automáticos de química clínica (Hitache 917 Roche). Todas as pacientes coletaram urina de 24 h, em casa ou no hospital, para análise de proteínas, creatinina, cálcio, ácido úrico e sódio. As variáveis quantitativas com distribuição assimétrica foram descritas por mediana, mínimo e máximo, e comparadas por teste Kruskal-Wallis. Os resultados foram transformados logaritmicamente, com ANOVA one-way por ranking e, posteriormente, teste post-hoc de Tukey, e foram analisados por médias de correlações de Spearman e curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic). O nível de significância adotado foi de 0.05. RESULTADOS Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos quando comparados pré-eclâmpsia grave com hipertensão crônica e pré-eclâmpsia grave com controles (P < 0.0001 para ambas as medidas). CONCLUSÃO Natriúria pode estar reduzida na pré-eclâmpsia ...

Calcium-to-creatinine ratio in pregnancy-induced hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: Hypocalciuria has been correlated with preeclampsia. This study compared the calcium-to-creatinine ratio among the groups, and the correlation with the 24-h measurement of this ratio and a diagnosis of preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study including mild and severe preeclampsia, chronic hypertension and normal pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The calcium-to-creatinine ratio differentiates severe preeclampsia from mild preeclampsia, chronic hypertension and normal pregnancy. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the groups when comparing severe preeclampsia and chronic hypertension, severe preeclampsia and normal pregnancy, and mild and severe preeclampsia (p<0.0001). The Spearman index between the calcium-to-creatinine ratio and 24-h calciuria was 0.65 (high correlation). CONCLUSIONS: The calcium-to-creatinine ratio can reliably estimate 24-h calciuria, differentiating severe preeclampsia from mild preeclampsia, chronic hypertension and normal pregnancy.

Are insulin resistance index, IGF-1 and metabolic syndrome components correlates with severe preeclampsia?

OBJECTIVE: Analyse the relation between insulin resistance and severe preeclampsia (SPE). METHODS: Case control study paired by body mass index and gestational age; including 16 patients with severe SPE and 16 normotensive controls. Insulin resistance was assessed through the HOMA-IR and QUICKI-IS indexes. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the HOMA-IR and QUICKI-IS indexes and HDL cholesterol. Triglyceride levels were higher and the IGF-1 was lower in the SPE group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the insulin resitance indexes between the group with SPE and normal controls.

Dispositivo intra-uterine multiload 250: experiência de dez anos / Multiload contraceptive intrauterine device: a ten years experience

Foram inseridos 243 DIUS Multiload (MLCu-250) em 150 pacientes ao longo de 10 anos, sempre pelo mesmo profissional. Em 149 pacientes, o dispositivo foi usado como anticonceptivo. Em apenas um caso foi usado para tratamento da síndrome de Ashermann. Quarenta e três usuárias do DIU näo referiram qualquer queixa, correspondendo a 28,7 por cento das pacientes. Leucorréia, sangramento aumentado e cólica uterina foram as complicaçöes mais freqüentes. Ocorreu uma perfuraçäo uterina durante a inserçäo e um caso de doença inflamatória pélvica. Vinte e três pacientes tiveram o DIU retirado, por complicaçöes, correspondendo a 15,3 por cento do total de usuárias. A remoçäo por complicaçöes ocorreu igualmente entre nulíparas e multíparas. A expulsäo ocorreu em nove pacientes. Sete engravidaram com o DIU in situ e duas após expulsäo näo percebida, revelando baixo índice de falhas, levando-se em conta o número de DIUs e o período de tempo. O desejo de engravidar fez com que 21 mulheres tivessem o DIU removido. Destas, 15 tiveram seguimento na clínica, e a gestaçäo ocorreu em 13 no primeiro ano que se seguiu à remoçäo, correspondendo a 86,6 por cento das pacientes com acompanhamento que retiraram o DIU para gestar. O índice de adesividade pôde ser avaliado analisando-se o número de pacientes que usaram o DIU por mais de um ano (129 pacientes) e aquelas que retornaram ao uso após retirada por complicaçöes, incluindo gestaçäo e expulsäo (11 pacientes).