Diabetes among women with preterm births: outcomes of a Brazilian multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare the maternal and perinatal characteristics and outcomes between women with and without diabetes in a Brazilian cohort of women with preterm births. METHODS: This was an ancillary analysis of the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth, which included 4,150 preterm births. This analysis divided preterm births into two groups according to the presence of diabetes; pregestational and gestational diabetes were clustered in the same Diabetes Group. Differences between both groups were assessed using χ 2 or Student's t tests. RESULTS: Preterm births of 133 and 4,017 women with and without diabetes, respectively, were included. The prevalence of diabetes was 3.2%. Pregnant women aged ≥35 years were more common in the Diabetes Group (31.6% versus 14.0% non-diabetic women, respectively). The rate of cesarean section among patients with diabetes was 68.2% versus 52.3% in non-diabetic cases), with a gestational age at birth between 34 and 36 weeks in 78.9% of the cases and 62.1% of the controls. Large-for-gestational-age babies were 7 times more common in the Diabetes Group. CONCLUSION: Preterm birth among Brazilian women with diabetes was more than twice as prevalent; these women were older and had regular late preterm deliveries, usually by cesarean section. They also had a greater frequency of fetal morbidities, such as malformations and polyhydramnios, and a higher proportion of large-for-gestational-age and macrosomic neonates.

The challenge of adequately reporting preeclampsia for epidemiological surveillance: An example from a referral center in a middle-income country.

Adequately reporting of preeclampsia is a challenge. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnosis of preeclampsia based on clinical and laboratory findings and ICD-10 codes (International Classification of Diseases) at admission and discharge in a referral center, over a one-year period. Among 2,839 women admitted for childbirth, 208 presented confirmed preeclampsia, based on chart audits. Among these, 77.4% at admission presented ICD-10 codes assigned as hypertension, and 47.1% at discharge. In 14.4% of confirmed preeclampsia, ICD-10 codes for hypertension were not used. Adequate reporting of preeclampsia is key for clinical surveillance, counselling and guiding public health interventions.

Increased Cesarean Section Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Looking for Reasons through the Robson Ten Group Classification System.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cesarean section (CS) rates according to the Robson Ten Group Classification System (RTGCS) and its indications in pregnant women admitted for childbirth during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with those of the previous year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare women admitted for childbirth from April to October 2019 (before the pandemic) and from March to September 2020 (during the pandemic). The CSs and their indications were classified on admission according to the RTGCS, and we also collected data on the route of delivery (vaginal or CS). Both periods were compared using the Chi-squared (χ2) test or the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: In total, 2,493 women were included, 1,291 in the prepandemic and 1,202 in the pandemic period. There was a a significant increase in the CS rate (from 39.66% to 44.01%; p = 0.028), mostly due to maternal request (from 9.58% to 25.38%; p < 0.01). Overall, groups 5 and 2 contributed the most to the CS rates. The rates decreased among group 1 and increased among group 2 during the pandemic, with no changes in group 10. CONCLUSION: There was an apparent change in the RTGSC comparing both periods, with a significant increase in CS rates, mainly by maternal request, most likely because of changes during the pandemic and uncertainties and fear concerning COVID-19.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as taxas de cesárea segundo a Classificação de Robson, assim como suas indicações, em mulheres admitidas para parto durante a primeira onda de doença do coronavírus 2019 (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, em inglês), com as do ano anterior. MATERIAIS E MéTODOS: Conduzimos um estudo transversal que comparou as mulheres admitidas para parto entre abril e outubro de 2019 (pré-pandemia) e entre março e setembro de 2020 (durante a pandemia). As cesarianas e as suas indicações foram classificadas conforme o sistema proposto por Robson, e obteve-se a via de parto (vaginal ou cesárea). Ambos os períodos foram comparados usando-se os testes do Qui quadrado ou o exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 2.943 mulheres foram incluídas, das quais 1.291 antes da pandemia e 1.202 durante a pandemia. A taxa de cesárea aumentou significativamente (de 39.66% para 44,01%; p = 0,028), principalmente devido a desejo materno (de 9,58% para 25,38%; p < 0,01). Os grupos 5 e 2 foram os que mais contribuíram para as taxas de cesárea. Durante a pandemia, o grupo 1 reduziu sua frequência, enquanto o grupo 2 a aumentou. CONCLUSãO: Houve uma aparente mudança nas características da população conforme a classificação de Robson. Observou-se significativo aumento nas taxas de cesárea, principalmente por desejo materno, o que reflete possíveis incertezas e medos relacionados à COVID-19.

Increased Cesarean Section Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Looking for Reasons through the Robson Ten Group Classification System / Aumento das taxas de cesárea durante a pandemia de COVID-19: procurando explicações por meio da Classificação de Robson

Abstract Objective To compare cesarean section (CS) rates according to the Robson Ten Group Classification System (RTGCS) and its indications in pregnant women admitted for childbirth during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with those of the previous year. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare women admitted for childbirth from April to October 2019 (before the pandemic) and from March to September 2020 (during the pandemic). The CSs and their indications were classified on admission according to the RTGCS, and we also collected data on the route of delivery (vaginal or CS). Both periods were compared using the Chi-squared (χ2) test or the Fisher exact test. Results In total, 2,493 women were included, 1,291 in the prepandemic and 1,202 in the pandemic period. There was a a significant increase in the CS rate (from 39.66% to 44.01%; p = 0.028), mostly due to maternal request (from 9.58% to 25.38%; p < 0.01). Overall, groups 5 and 2 contributed the most to the CS rates. The rates decreased among group 1 and increased among group 2 during the pandemic, with no changes in group 10. Conclusion There was an apparent change in the RTGSC comparing both periods, with a significant increase in CS rates, mainly by maternal request, most likely because of changes during the pandemic and uncertainties and fear concerning COVID-19.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar as taxas de cesárea segundo a Classificação de Robson, assim como suas indicações, em mulheres admitidas para parto durante a primeira onda de doença do coronavírus 2019 (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, em inglês), com as do ano anterior. Materiais e Métodos Conduzimos um estudo transversal que comparou as mulheres admitidas para parto entre abril e outubro de 2019 (pré-pandemia) e entre março e setembro de 2020 (durante a pandemia). As cesarianas e as suas indicações foram classificadas conforme o sistema proposto por Robson, e obteve-se a via de parto (vaginal ou cesárea). Ambos os períodos foram comparados usando-se os testes do Qui quadrado ou o exato de Fisher. Resultados Ao todo, 2.943 mulheres foram incluídas, das quais 1.291 antes da pandemia e 1.202 durante a pandemia. A taxa de cesárea aumentou significativamente (de 39.66% para 44,01%; p = 0,028), principalmente devido a desejo materno (de 9,58% para 25,38%; p < 0,01). Os grupos 5 e 2 foram os que mais contribuíram para as taxas de cesárea. Durante a pandemia, o grupo 1 reduziu sua frequência, enquanto o grupo 2 a aumentou. Conclusão Houve uma aparente mudança nas características da população conforme a classificação de Robson. Observou-se significativo aumento nas taxas de cesárea, principalmente por desejo materno, o que reflete possíveis incertezas e medos relacionados à COVID-19.

Diabetes among women with preterm births: outcomes of a Brazilian multicenter study

ABSTRACT Objective The objective was to compare the maternal and perinatal characteristics and outcomes between women with and without diabetes in a Brazilian cohort of women with preterm births. Methods This was an ancillary analysis of the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth, which included 4,150 preterm births. This analysis divided preterm births into two groups according to the presence of diabetes; pregestational and gestational diabetes were clustered in the same Diabetes Group. Differences between both groups were assessed using χ 2 or Student's t tests. Results Preterm births of 133 and 4,017 women with and without diabetes, respectively, were included. The prevalence of diabetes was 3.2%. Pregnant women aged ≥35 years were more common in the Diabetes Group (31.6% versus 14.0% non-diabetic women, respectively). The rate of cesarean section among patients with diabetes was 68.2% versus 52.3% in non-diabetic cases), with a gestational age at birth between 34 and 36 weeks in 78.9% of the cases and 62.1% of the controls. Large-for-gestational-age babies were 7 times more common in the Diabetes Group. Conclusion Preterm birth among Brazilian women with diabetes was more than twice as prevalent; these women were older and had regular late preterm deliveries, usually by cesarean section. They also had a greater frequency of fetal morbidities, such as malformations and polyhydramnios, and a higher proportion of large-for-gestational-age and macrosomic neonates.

Placental Sampling for Understanding Viral Infections - A Simplified Protocol for the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic viral disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The impact of the disease among the obstetric population remains unclear, and the study of the placenta can provide valuable information. Adequate sampling of the placental tissue can help characterize the pathways of viral infections. METHODS: A protocol of placental sampling is proposed, aiming at guaranteeing representativity of the placenta and describing the adequate conservation of samples and their integrity for future analysis. The protocol is presented in its complete and simplified versions, allowing its implementation in different complexity settings. RESULTS: Sampling with the minimum possible interval from childbirth is the key for adequate sampling and storage. This protocol has already been implemented during the Zika virus outbreak. CONCLUSION: A protocol for adequate sampling and storage of placental tissue is fundamental for adequate evaluation of viral infections on the placenta. During the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation of this protocol may help to elucidate critical aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

OBJETIVO: A doença do novo coronavírus (COVID-19) é uma doença viral pandêmica causada pelo coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda 2 (SARS-CoV-2). O impacto da doença entre a população obstétrica ainda é incerto, e o estudo da placenta pode fornecer informações valiosas. Assim, a coleta adequada do tecido placentário pode ajudar a caracterizar algumas propriedades das infecções virais. MéTODOS: Um protocolo de coleta placentária é proposto, objetivando a garantia de representatividade da placenta, descrevendo a maneira de conservação adequada das amostras, e visando garantir sua integridade para análises futuras. O protocolo é apresentado em suas versões completa e simplificada, permitindo sua implementação em diferentes configurações de infraestrutura. RESULTADOS: A amostragem com o intervalo mínimo possível do parto é essencial para coleta e armazenamento adequados. Esse protocolo já foi implementado durante a epidemia de vírus Zika. CONCLUSãO: Um protocolo para coleta e armazenamento adequados de tecido placentário é fundamental para a avaliação adequada de infecções virais na placenta. Durante a pandemia de COVID-19, a implementação deste protocolo pode ajudar a elucidar aspectos críticos da infecção por SARS-CoV-2.

Placental Sampling for Understanding Viral Infections - A Simplified Protocol for the COVID-19 Pandemic / Coleta placentária para entender infecções virais - Um protocolo simplificado para a pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic viral disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The impact of the disease among the obstetric population remains unclear, and the study of the placenta can provide valuable information. Adequate sampling of the placental tissue can help characterize the pathways of viral infections. Methods A protocol of placental sampling is proposed, aiming at guaranteeing representativity of the placenta and describing the adequate conservation of samples and their integrity for future analysis. The protocol is presented in its complete and simplified versions, allowing its implementation in different complexity settings. Results Sampling with the minimum possible interval from childbirth is the key for adequate sampling and storage. This protocol has already been implemented during the Zika virus outbreak. Conclusion A protocol for adequate sampling and storage of placental tissue is fundamental for adequate evaluation of viral infections on the placenta. During the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation of this protocol may help to elucidate critical aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Resumo Objetivo A doença do novo coronavírus (COVID-19) é uma doença viral pandêmica causada pelo coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda 2 (SARS-CoV-2). O impacto da doença entre a população obstétrica ainda é incerto, e o estudo da placenta pode fornecer informações valiosas. Assim, a coleta adequada do tecido placentário pode ajudar a caracterizar algumas propriedades das infecções virais. Métodos Um protocolo de coleta placentária é proposto, objetivando a garantia de representatividade da placenta, descrevendo a maneira de conservação adequada das amostras, e visando garantir sua integridade para análises futuras. O protocolo é apresentado em suas versões completa e simplificada, permitindo sua implementação em diferentes configurações de infraestrutura. Resultados A amostragem com o intervalo mínimo possível do parto é essencial para coleta e armazenamento adequados. Esse protocolo já foi implementado durante a epidemia de vírus Zika. Conclusão Um protocolo para coleta e armazenamento adequados de tecido placentário é fundamental para a avaliação adequada de infecções virais na placenta. Durante a pandemia de COVID-19, a implementação deste protocolo pode ajudar a elucidar aspectos críticos da infecção por SARS-CoV-2.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnancies Complicated by Chronic Hypertension Followed at a Referral Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To assess maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies in women with chronic hypertension (CH). METHODS: Retrospective cohort of women with CH followed at a referral center for a 5 year period (2012-2017). Data were obtained from medical charts review and described as means and frequencies, and a Poisson regression was performed to identify factors independently associated to the occurrence of superimposed pre-eclampsia (sPE). RESULTS: A total of 385 women were included in the present study; the majority were > than 30 years old, multiparous, mostly white and obese before pregnancy. One third had pre-eclampsia (PE) in a previous pregnancy and 17% of them had organ damage associated with hypertension, mainly kidney dysfunction. A total of 85% of the patients used aspirin and calcium carbonate for pre-eclampsia prophylaxis and our frequency of sPE was 40%, with an early onset (32.98 ± 6.14 weeks). Of those, 40% had severe features of PE, including 5 cases of HELLP syndrome; however, no cases of eclampsia or maternal death were reported. C-section incidence was high, gestational age at birth was 36 weeks, and nearly a third (115 cases) of newborns had complications at birth One third of the women remained using antihypertensive drugs after pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Chronic hypertension is related with the high occurrence of PE, C-sections, prematurity and neonatal complications. Close surveillance and multidisciplinary care are important for early diagnosis of complications.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados maternos e perinatais em gestação de mulheres com hipertensão crônica. MéTODOS: Coorte retrospectiva de mulheres hipertensas crônicas acompanhadas em hospital de referência por 5 anos (2012­2017). Foi realizada revisão dos prontuários médicos e os resultados são descritos em médias e frequências. A regressão de Poisson foi usada para identificar os fatores independentemente associados à ocorrência de pré-eclâmpsia superajuntada. RESULTADOS: Um total de 385 mulheres foram incluídas no presente estudo, e a maioria tinha idade > 35 anos, era multípara, majoritariamente brancas e obesas antes da gravidez. Um terço teve pré-eclâmpsia em gestação anterior, e 17% apresentavam lesão de órgão-alvo associada à hipertensão, majoritariamente disfunção renal. Um total de 85% das pacientes usaram ácido acetilsalicílico e carbonato de cálcio para a profilaxia de pré-eclâmpsia, sendo que a frequência de pré-eclâmpsia superajuntada foi de 40%, com um início prematuro (32.98 ± 6.14 semanas). Destas, 40% apresentaram sinais de gravidade associados à pré-eclâmpsia, com 5 casos de síndrome HELLP; entretanto sem nenhum caso de eclampsia ou morte materna. A incidência de cesárea foi alta, com idade gestacional de 36 semanas ao parto, e um terço dos recém-nascidos tiveram complicações ao nascimento. Um terço das mulheres permaneceu usando medicamentos anti-hipertensivos ao fim da gravidez. CONCLUSãO: A hipertensão crônica se relaciona com alta prevalência de pré-eclâmpsia, cesárea, prematuridade e complicações neonatais. Vigilância e cuidado multidisciplinar são importantes para o diagnóstico precoce das complicações.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by chronic hypertension followed at a referral hospital / Resultados maternos e perinatais de gestantes hipertensas crônicas acompanhadas em pré-natal especializado

Abstract Objective To assess maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies in women with chronic hypertension (CH). Methods Retrospective cohort of women with CH followed at a referral center for a 5 year period (2012-2017). Data were obtained from medical charts review and described as means and frequencies, and a Poisson regression was performed to identify factors independently associated to the occurrence of superimposed preeclampsia (sPE). Results A total of 385 women were included in the present study; the majority were > than 30 years old, multiparous, mostly white and obese before pregnancy. One third had pre-eclampsia (PE) in a previous pregnancy and 17% of them had organ damage associated with hypertension, mainly kidney dysfunction. A total of 85% of the patients used aspirin and calcium carbonate for pre-eclampsia prophylaxis and our frequency of sPE was 40%, with an early onset (32.98 ± 6.14 weeks). Of those, 40% had severe features of PE, including 5 cases of HELLP syndrome; however, no cases of eclampsia or maternal death were reported. C-section incidence was high, gestational age at birth was 36 weeks, and nearly a third (115 cases) of newborns had complications at birth One third of the women remained using antihypertensive drugs after pregnancy. Conclusion Chronic hypertension is related with the high occurrence of PE, C-sections, prematurity and neonatal complications. Close surveillance and multidisciplinary care are important for early diagnosis of complications.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados maternos e perinatais em gestação de mulheres com hipertensão crônica. Métodos Coorte retrospectiva de mulheres hipertensas crônicas acompanhadas em hospital de referência por 5 anos (2012-2017). Foi realizada revisão dos prontuários médicos e os resultados são descritos em médias e frequências. A regressão de Poisson foi usada para identificar os fatores independentemente associados à ocorrência de pré-eclâmpsia superajuntada. Resultados Um total de 385 mulheres foram incluídas no presente estudo, e amaioria tinha idade > 35 anos, era multípara, majoritariamente brancas e obesas antes da gravidez. Um terço teve pré-eclâmpsia em gestação anterior, e 17% apresentavam lesão de órgão-alvo associada à hipertensão, majoritariamente disfunção renal. Um total de 85% das pacientes usaram ácido acetilsalicílico e carbonato de cálcio para a profilaxia de pré-eclâmpsia, sendo que a frequência de pré-eclâmpsia superajuntada foi de 40%, com um início prematuro (32.98 ± 6.14 semanas). Destas, 40% apresentaram sinais de gravidade associados à pré-eclâmpsia, com 5 casos de síndrome HELLP; entretanto sem nenhum caso de eclampsia ou morte materna. A incidência de cesárea foi alta, comidade gestacional de 36 semanas ao parto, e umterço dos recém-nascidos tiveram complicações ao nascimento. Um terço das mulheres permaneceu usando medicamentos anti-hipertensivos ao fim da gravidez. Conclusão A hipertensão crônica se relaciona comalta prevalência de pré-eclâmpsia, cesárea, prematuridade e complicações neonatais. Vigilância e cuidado multidisciplinar são importantes para o diagnóstico precoce das complicações.

Adequate Placental Sampling for the Diagnosis and Characterization of Placental Infection by Zika Virus.

The detection of Zika virus (ZIKV) in immunoprivileged anatomical sites, potential sites for viral persistence, may guide the confirmation of undefined cases of ZIKV infection and also bring to light unknown pathways of viral transmission. Thus, this study aimed to characterize ZIKV infection in stratified, standardized placental samples in women with exanthematic febrile manifestations during pregnancy and compare findings to the standard investigation protocol of official health agencies. To this end, a case series of placental findings within a prospective cohort study was conducted over a period of 24 months. Serum/urine were obtained at the time of clinical case identification. Placental sampling was performed following standard investigation protocol (samples of 1.0 cm sent to a reference laboratory) and in a systematic way at various regions, such as chorionic plate, chorionic villi, basal plate, amniotic membrane, and umbilical cord, for subsequent ZIKV identification and quantification. Clinical information was obtained and histological preparation with hematoxylin-eosin staining for morphological evaluation was performed. This case series included 17 placentas systematically collected. Of these, 14 were positive by qRT-PCR for ZIKV, 5 in the umbilical cord, 7 in the amniotic membrane, 7 in the chorionic plate, 13 in the chorionic villi, and 7 in the basal plate, whereas none were reported by the reference laboratory. The most common morphological and anatomopathological findings were increased stromal cellularity, villitis, calcification, maternal vascular malperfusion, placental hypoplasia, and maternal-fetal hemorrhage (intervillous thrombi). Seven women presented positive testing for ZIKV in serological and/or molecular tests during gestation in urine. While viral quantification in urine ranged from 101 to 103 FFU eq/ml, that in different placental regions ranged from 103 to 108 FFU eq/g. Thus, ZIKV can infect different regions of the placenta and umbilical cord of pregnant women, showing that the systematic collection and adequate storage of the placenta is fundamental for the detection of ZIKV in this organ. The detection of ZIKV in the placenta after several months of initial symptoms suggests that this tissue may be a site for viral persistence during pregnancy.