Assessing the Impact of Hematological Changes in Pregnancy on Maternal and Fetal Death: A Narrative Review.

Hematological changes during pregnancy encompass a wide range of alterations in blood composition and function, including variations in hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and coagulation factors. These changes can be physiological or pathological and may significantly impact maternal and fetal health outcomes. This narrative review examines the relationship between various hematological changes and disorders during pregnancy and their effects on maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. We explore conditions such as anemia, sickle cell disease, thrombophilia, and blood-borne infections like malaria, as well as the impact of multiple pregnancies on hematological parameters. The review also discusses the effects of COVID-19 on maternal hematology. Key findings include the high prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes associated with these conditions, including early miscarriages, preterm birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and increased risk of maternal complications. The importance of early screening, diagnosis, and appropriate management of hematological disorders during pregnancy is emphasized. This review highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing pregnant women with hematological changes to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.

Primary hyperparathyroidism-induced acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: A systematic review with a diagnostic-treatment algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) during pregnancy has rarely been described. Due to this rarity, there are no diagnostic or treatment algorithms for pregnant patients. AIM: To determine appropriate diagnostic methods, therapeutic options, and factors related to maternal and fetal outcomes for PHPT-induced AP in pregnancy. METHODS: A literature search of articles in English, Japanese, German, Spanish, and Italian was performed using PubMed (1946-2023), PubMed Central (1900-2023), and Google Scholar. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was followed. The search terms included "pancreatite acuta," "iperparatiroidismo primario," "gravidanza," "travaglio," "puerperio," "postpartum," "akute pankreatitis," "primärer hyperparathyreoidismus," "Schwangerschaft," "Wehen," "Wochenbett," "pancreatitis aguda," "hiperparatiroidismo primario," "embarazo," "parto," "puerperio," "posparto," "acute pancreatitis," "primary hyperparathyroidism," "pregnancy," "labor," "puerperium," and "postpartum." Additional studies were identified by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved studies. Demographic, imaging, surgical, obstetric, and outcome data were obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-four cases were collected from the 51 studies. The median maternal age was 29 years. PHPT-induced AP starts at the 20th gestational week; higher gestational weeks were seen in mothers who died (mean gestational week 28). Median values of amylase (1399, Q1-Q3 = 519-2072), lipase (2072, Q1-Q3 = 893-2804), serum calcium (3.5, Q1-Q3 = 3.1-3.9), and parathormone (PTH) (384, Q1-Q3 = 123-910) were reported. In 46 cases, adenoma was the cause of PHPT, followed by 2 cases of carcinoma and 1 case of hyperplasia. In the remaining 5 cases, the diagnosis was not reported. Neck ultrasound was positive in 34 cases, whereas sestamibi was performed in 3 cases, and neck computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 9 cases (the enlarged parathyroid gland was not localized in 3 cases). Surgery was the preferred treatment during pregnancy in 33 cases (median week of gestation 25, Q1-Q3 = 20-30) and postpartum in 12 cases. The timing was not reported in the remaining 9 cases, or surgery was not performed. AP was managed surgically in 11 cases and conservatively in 43 (79.6%) cases. Maternal and fetal mortality was 9.3% (5 cases). Surgery was more common in deceased mothers (60.0% vs 16.3%; P = 0.052), and PTH values tended to be higher in this group (910 pg/mL vs 302 pg/mL; P = 0.059). Maternal mortality was higher with higher serum lipase levels and earlier delivery week. Higher calcium (4.1 mmol/L vs 3.3 mmol/L; P = 0.009) and PTH (1914 pg/mL vs 302 pg/mL; P = 0.003) values increased fetal/child mortality, as well as abortions (40.0% vs 0.0%; P = 0.007) and complex deliveries (60.0% vs 8.2%; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: If serum calcium is not tested during admission, definitive diagnosis of PHPT-induced AP in pregnancy is delayed, while early diagnosis and immediate intervention lead to excellent maternal and fetal outcomes.

Placental and umbilical cord anomalies detected by ultrasound as clinical risk factors of adverse perinatal outcome: Case series review of selected conditions. Part 1: Placental abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this extended review of multicenter case series is to describe the prenatal ultrasound features and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying placental and umbilical cord anomalies and their relationship with adverse perinatal outcome. From an educational point of view, the case series has been divided in three parts; Part 1 is dedicated to placental abnormalities. METHODS: Multicenter case series of women undergoing routine and extended prenatal ultrasound and perinatal obstetric care. RESULTS: Prenatal ultrasound findings, perinatal care, and pathology documentation in cases of placental pathology are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series review and that of the medical literature confirms the ethiopathogenetic role and involvement of placenta abnormalities in a wide variety of obstetrics diseases that may jeopardize the fetal well-being. Some of these specific pathologies are strongly associated with a high risk of poor perinatal outcome.

Traumatic pelvic ring fracture during pregnancy: a systematic review.

Purpose: This systematic review aims to investigate the management and outcomes of pelvic ring fractures (PRFs) during pregnancy, emphasizing maternal and fetal mortality rates, mechanisms of injury, and treatment modalities. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search of databases from 2000 to 2023, identifying 33 relevant studies. Data extraction included demographics, fracture types, treatment methods, and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI criteria. Results: Maternal mortality stood at 9.1%, with fetal mortality at 42.4%. Maternal factors impacting mortality included head trauma and hemodynamic instability. Fetal mortality correlated with mechanisms like motor vehicle accidents and maternal vital signs. Surgical and conservative treatments were applied, with a majority of pelvic surgeries performed before delivery. External fixators proved effective in fracture stabilization. Conclusion: Pelvic ring fractures during pregnancy present significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Early stabilization and vigilant monitoring of maternal vital signs are crucial. Vaginal bleeding/discharge serves as a critical fetal risk indicator. The choice between surgical and conservative treatment minimally influenced outcomes. Multidisciplinary collaboration and tailored interventions are essential in managing these complex cases.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of adverse birth outcomes and fetal mortality in Japan: an analysis of national data from 2010 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected trends of multiple health outcomes in Japan, there is a paucity of studies investigating the effect of the pandemic on adverse birth outcomes and fetal mortality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the onset of the pandemic on the trends in adverse birth outcomes and fetal mortality using national data in Japan. METHODS: We used the 2010-2022 birth and fetal mortality data from the Vital Statistics in Japan. We defined the starting time of the effect of the pandemic as April 2020, and the period from January 2010 to March 2020 and that from April 2020 to December 2022 were defined as the pre- and post- pandemic period, respectively. The rates of preterm birth, term low birth weight (TLBW), small-for-gestational-age (SGA), large-for-gestational-age (LGA), spontaneous fetal mortality, and artificial fetal mortality were used as outcomes. An interrupted time series analysis was conducted using monthly time series data of the outcomes to evaluate the effects of the pandemic. In addition, a modified Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the effects of the pandemic on these outcomes using individual-level data, and the adjusted risk ratio of the effect was calculated. RESULTS: The adverse birth and fetal mortality outcomes showed a decreasing trend over the years, except for preterm birth and LGA birth rates, and SGA birth rates tended to reach their lowest values after the onset of the pandemic. The interrupted time series analysis revealed that the pandemic decreased preterm birth, TLBW, and SGA birth rates. In addition, the regression analysis revealed that the pandemic decreased the TLBW, SGA, and artificial fetal mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: Analyses performed using national data suggested that the pandemic decreased the TLBW and SGA rates in Japan.

Mortalidad infantil y condiciones de vida socioeconómicamente adversas: el caso de dos distritos poblacionales en Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: La mortalidad infantil es un fenómeno sanitario relacionado directamente con las condiciones de vida deletéreas, tanto del hogar del infante como de factores socioeconómicos e higiénico-sanitarios adversos. Objetivo: Caracterizar las desigualdades de la mortalidad infantil, según condiciones diferenciales de vida en dos distritos poblacionales de Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, de tipo ecológico exploratorio, en el municipio Santiago de Cuba, en el trienio 1995-1997. Las unidades de análisis estuvieron constituidas por las áreas de salud enmarcadas en dos distritos poblacionales de la ciudad. Resultados: Se estratificaron ambos distritos poblacionales, según sus condiciones de vida, en asentamientos con condiciones de vida menos desfavorables y más desfavorables. Se estimó mayor mortalidad infantil en el asentamiento con condiciones de vida más desfavorables (8,7 fallecidos por 1000 nacidos vivos), donde predominaron como causas clínicas de muerte las asfixias, la anoxia e hipoxias y causas clínicas reducibles por buena atención en el parto. Conclusiones: Se identificó un perfil diferencial de mortalidad infantil, según las condiciones de vida, al interior de los asentamientos poblacionales de los distritos urbanos de Santiago de Cuba. Los riesgos distintivos de muerte infantil fueron a expensas del componente neonatal, en lo fundamental por causas clínicas reducibles por buena atención en el parto.

Introduction: Infant mortality is a health phenomenon directly related to the deleterious living conditions of both the infant's home and adverse socioeconomic and sanitary factors. Objective: To characterize inequalities in infant mortality according to differential living conditions in two populations districts of Santiago de Cuba. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory ecological study was carried out in the municipality of Santiago de Cuba in 1995-1997. The units of analysis were constituted by the areas framed in two populations districts of the city. Results: Bothe population districts were stratified, according to their living conditions, in settlements with less unfavorable and more unfavorable living conditions. Higher infant mortality was estimated in the settlement with more unfavorable living conditions (8.7 deaths per 1000 live births), where asphyxia, anoxia and hypoxia predominated as clinical causes of death and clinical causes reducible for good care at birth. Conclusions: A differential profile of infant mortality, according to living conditions, was identified within the population settlements of the urban districts of Santiago de Cuba. The distinctive risks of infant death were at the expense of the neonatal component, mainly for clinical causes reducible by good care at birth.

Reduced fetal cerebral blood flow predicts perinatal mortality in a mouse model of prenatal alcohol and cannabinoid exposure.

BACKGROUND: Children exposed prenatally to alcohol or cannabinoids individually can exhibit growth deficits and increased risk for adverse birth outcomes. However, these drugs are often co-consumed and their combined effects on early brain development are virtually unknown. The blood vessels of the fetal brain emerge and mature during the neurogenic period to support nutritional needs of the rapidly growing brain, and teratogenic exposure during this gestational window may therefore impair fetal cerebrovascular development. STUDY DESIGN: To determine whether prenatal polysubstance exposure confers additional risk for impaired fetal-directed blood flow, we performed high resolution in vivo ultrasound imaging in C57Bl/6J pregnant mice. After pregnancy confirmation, dams were randomly assigned to one of four groups: drug-free control, alcohol-exposed, cannabinoid-exposed or alcohol-and-cannabinoid-exposed. Drug exposure occurred daily between Gestational Days 12-15, equivalent to the transition between the first and second trimesters in humans. Dams first received an intraperitoneal injection of either cannabinoid agonist CP-55,940 (750 µg/kg) or volume-equivalent vehicle. Then, dams were placed in vapor chambers for 30 min of inhalation of either ethanol or room air. Dams underwent ultrasound imaging on three days of pregnancy: Gestational Day 11 (pre-exposure), Gestational Day 13.5 (peri-exposure) and Gestational Day 16 (post-exposure). RESULTS: All drug exposures decreased fetal cranial blood flow 24-hours after the final exposure episode, though combined alcohol and cannabinoid co-exposure reduced internal carotid artery blood flow relative to all other exposures. Umbilical artery metrics were not affected by drug exposure, indicating a specific vulnerability of fetal cranial circulation. Cannabinoid exposure significantly reduced cerebroplacental ratios, mirroring prior findings in cannabis-exposed human fetuses. Post-exposure cerebroplacental ratios significantly predicted subsequent perinatal mortality (p = 0.019, area under the curve, 0.772; sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 85.70%) and retroactively diagnosed prior drug exposure (p = 0.005; AUC, 0.861; sensitivity, 86.40%; specificity, 66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Fetal cerebrovasculature is significantly impaired by exposure to alcohol or cannabinoids, and co-exposure confers additional risk for adverse birth outcomes. Considering the rising potency and global availability of cannabis products, there is an imperative for research to explore translational models of prenatal drug exposure, including polysubstance models, to inform appropriate strategies for treatment and care in pregnancies affected by drug exposure.

The Implications of Socioeconomic Status by ZIP Code on Maternal-Fetal Morbidity and Mortality in San Antonio, Texas.

Introduction Over the past 20 years, the number of pregnancy-related fatalities in the United States has been on the rise. Increases in maternal and fetal mortality have been attributed to low socioeconomic status (SES). This raises the question of whether all geographical locations are proportionally affected by this upward trend in pregnancy-related fatalities. San Antonio is one of the largest cities in the United States and is known for its economic segregation. This study aims to compare the maternal and fetal health outcomes of mothers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in San Antonio, Texas. Methods To analyze the relationship between pregnancy-related mortality rates and SES in San Antonio, Texas, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes for maternal and fetal demise and their associated risk factors were identified. The ICD-10 codes were used to compare the health outcomes of pregnant women from the highest SES ZIP Code (78255, median income $124,397) to women from the lowest SES ZIP Code (78207, median income $25,415) using the Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File for 2016, which contains information on 93-97% of all hospital discharges in San Antonio, Texas. Results Notably, pregnant women from the high SES ZIP Code were admitted to the hospital from clinics or a physician's office (68.8%), while pregnant women from the low SES ZIP Code were admitted to the hospital from non-healthcare facilities like home or workplace (62.5%). In addition, a greater percentage of patients from the low SES ZIP Code were Black (4.3% vs 1.3%) or Hispanic (88.5% vs 35.1%). Compared to women from the high SES ZIP Code, women from the low SES ZIP Code experienced more fetal deaths and a higher prevalence of maternal and fetal risk factors such as obesity (47.6% vs 32.5%), asthma (1.7% vs 1.3%), hypertension (0.8% vs 0%), substance abuse (0.5% vs 0%), diabetes mellitus (9.8% vs 7.8%), preeclampsia (7.7% vs 2.6%), and multiple C-sections (35.5% vs 28.6%). Finally, fetal mortality rates were higher in the low SES ZIP Code (1.1% vs 0%). Although there were no statistically significant maternal or fetal mortality differences between the ZIP Codes, the trend suggests that women's health outcomes in San Antonio are not equitable. Discussion Analysis reveals disproportionate health outcomes for women in south San Antonio. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the role social and medical factors play in these results. Investigating the relationship between SES and pregnancy-related mortality can help to better inform healthcare providers and identify ways to improve women's health outcomes in San Antonio, Texas.

Adverse pregnancy, fetal and neonatal outcomes in women with sickle cell disease in a Middle Eastern country.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease in pregnancy is associated with high maternal and fetal mortality. However, studies reporting pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes in women with sickle cell disease are extremely limited. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study are to determine whether women with sickle cell disease have a greater risk of adverse pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes than women without sickle cell disease and identify the predictors of adverse pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes in women with sickle cell disease. DESIGN: A retrospective pair-matched case-control study was conducted to compare 171 pregnant women with sickle cell disease to 171 pregnant women without sickle cell disease in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. METHODS: All pregnant Omani women with sickle cell disease who delivered between January 2015 and August 2021 at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Royal Hospital, who were either primipara or multipara and who had a gestational age of 24-42 weeks, were included as patients, whereas women who had no sickle cell disease or any comorbidity during pregnancy, who delivered within the same timeframe and at the same hospitals, were recruited as controls. The data were retrieved from electronic medical records and delivery registry books between January 2015 and August 2021. RESULTS: Women with sickle cell disease who had severe anemia had increased odds of (χ2 = 58.56, p < 0.001) having adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women with sickle cell disease had 21.97% higher odds of delivering a baby with intrauterine growth retardation (χ2 = 17.80, unadjusted odds ratio = 2.91-166.13, p < 0.001). Newborns born to women with sickle cell disease had 3.93% greater odds of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (χ2 = 16.80, unadjusted odds ratio = 1.97-7.84, p < 0.001). In addition, the children born to women with sickle cell disease had 10.90% higher odds of being born with low birth weight (χ2 = 56.92, unadjusted odds ratio = 5.36-22.16, p < 0.001). Hemoglobin level (odds ratio = 0.17, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 0.10-3.0), past medical history (odds ratio = 7.95, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 2.39-26.43), past surgical history (odds ratio = 17.69, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 3.41-91.76), and preterm delivery (odds ratio = 9.48, p = 0.005, 95% confidence interval = 1.95-46.23) were identified as predictors of adverse pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes in women with sickle cell disease. CONCLUSION: As pregnant women with sickle cell disease are at increased risk for pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal adverse outcomes; improved antenatal surveillance and management may improve the outcomes.

Outcomes of liver diseases in pregnant females: A study from a tertiary care medical center in Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the etiologies and outcomes of liver disease in pregnancy in a developing country. Method: A total of 336 consecutive pregnant women with liver disease were included in this prospective cohort study conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi from August 2019 to August 2021. Patients' baseline demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and outcomes were collected on a pre-designed questionnaire. Results: Among all the pregnant females, the most common liver disease was acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection (37.2%), followed by preeclampsia (PEC)/eclampsia (EC), hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes & low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The most common maternal complications were fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in 14.9% and placental abruption in 11.0%. Fetal complications included intrauterine death (IUD) in 20.8% and preterm birth in 8.6%. The maternal and neonatal mortality rates were 11.6% and 39.6%, respectively. Among the predictors, low maternal weight, low body mass index (BMI), and low hemoglobin (Hb) were associated with increased maternal mortality. Low fetal weight, height, maternal systolic blood pressure (SBP), and low maternal Hb were independent predictors of fetal mortality. Conclusion: In our cohort of pregnant females in a tertiary care medical center, acute HEV was the most common liver disease, followed by PEC/EC, HELLP, and HG. Maternal and fetal deaths were alarming in this group of patients and demanded careful management.

Prevalence and risk of stillbirth according to biologic vulnerability phenotypes in the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil: A population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and risk of stillbirths by biologic vulnerability phenotypes in a cohort of pregnant women in the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil, 2017-2019. METHODS: Retrospective population-based cohort study. Fetuses were assessed as small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), adequate for gestational age (AGA), preterm (PT) as less than 37 weeks of gestation, non-PT (NPT) as 37 weeks of gestation or more, low birth weight (LBW) as less than 2500 g, and non-LBW (NLBW) as 2500 g or more. Relative risks (RR) with robust variance were estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: In all 442 782 pregnancies, including 2321 (0.5%) stillbirths, were included. About 85% (n = 1983) of stillbirths had at least one characteristic of vulnerability, compared with 21% (n = 92524) of live births. Fetuses with all three markers of vulnerability had the highest adjusted RR of stillbirth-SGA + LBW + PT (RR 155.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 136.29-176.30) and LGA + LBW + PT (RR 262.04; 95% CI 206.10-333.16) when compared with AGA + NLBW + NPT. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that the simultaneous presence of prematurity, low birth weight, and abnormal intrauterine growth presented a higher risk of stillbirths. To accelerate progress towards reducing preventable stillbirths, one must identify the circumstances of greatest biologic vulnerability.

Desigualdades regionais na enumeração dos registros de óbitos fetais nos sistemas de informações sobre estatísticas vitais no Brasil / Regional inequalities in the enumeration of stillbirth records in information systems on vital statistics in Brazil / Desigualdades regionales en la enumeración de los registros de muertes fetales en los sistemas de información sobre estadísticas vitales en Brasil

Resumo Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a variação do número de óbitos fetais informados entre o Sistema de Estatísticas Vitais do Registro Civil (RC) e o Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e comparar a tendência da taxa de mortalidade fetal (TMF) de ambos os sistemas no Brasil, para o período 2009-2019. A variação percentual (VP) foi analisada por meio da comparação entre as fontes de dados para os óbitos fetais precoces (<28 semanas) e tardios (≥28 semanas). Os clusters de unidades da federação foram obtidos pelo método k-means. Aplicou-se a regressão linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten na análise da tendência da TMF. O SIM demonstrou percentual de captação 27,7% superior ao RC no período estudado. Houve maior número de óbitos fetais informados no SIM para o Brasil e regiões, em ambos os estratos de óbitos. As regiões Norte e Nordeste apresentaram as maiores VP em oposição às regiões mais desenvolvidas do país, Sudeste e Sul, onde verificou-se uma convergência de 95%. Apesar da redução da VP na década analisada, as estimativas de tendência da TMF permaneceram subestimadas no RC. Conclui-se que a captação dos óbitos fetais foi maior no SIM, sobretudo nas regiões Norte e Nordeste, reconhecidas como as mais vulneráveis do país.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the variation in the number of stillbirths reported between the vital statistics system of the Civil Registry (RC) and the Mortality Information System (SIM) as well as to compare the trend in stillbirth rates (SBR) in both systems in Brazil between 2009 and 2019. Percent change (PC) was analyzed by comparing data sources for early (<28 weeks) and late (≥28 weeks) stillbirths. Clusters of Federation Units were obtained using the k-means method. Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression was applied in the analysis of the SBR trend. The SIM showed a percentage of uptake 27.7% higher than RC in the period. A higher number of fetal deaths were reported on the SIM for Brazil and its regions, in both death strata. The North and Northeast regions presented the highest PC, as opposed to the most developed regions of the country, Southeast and South, where there was a convergence of 95%. Despite the reduction in PC in the decade analyzed, the SBR trend estimates remained underestimated in the RC. The conclusion, that the capture of fetal deaths was higher in the SIM, demonstrates the need for improvements in civilian registration of stillbirths, especially in the North and Northeast regions, recognized as the most vulnerable in the country.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la variación en el número de muertes fetales notificadas entre el sistema de estadísticas vitales del Registro Civil (RC) y el Sistema de Información de Mortalidad (SIM) y comparar la tendencia de la Tasa de Mortalidad Fetal (TMF) de ambos sistemas en Brasil entre 2009 y 2019. El cambio porcentual (CP) se analizó comparando fuentes de datos para muertes fetales tempranas (< 28 semanas) y tardías (≥ 28 semanas). Los conglomerados de unidades de la federación se obtuvieron mediante el método de k-means. Se aplicó la regresión lineal generalizada Prais-Winsten en el análisis de la tendencia TMF. El SIM mostró un porcentaje de captación 27,7 % superior al del RC en el período. Hubo mayor número de muertes fetales reportadas en el SIM para Brasil y regiones, en ambos estratos de muerte. Las regiones Norte y Noreste tuvieron el CP más alto en comparación con las regiones más desarrolladas del país, Sudeste y Sur, donde hubo convergencia del 95 %. A pesar de la reducción del CP en la década analizada, las estimaciones de tendencia de la TMF permanecieron subestimadas en el RC. Se concluye que la captura de las defunciones fetales fue mayor en el SIM, demostrando la necesidad de mejoras en el registro civil de las defunciones fetales, especialmente en las regiones Norte y Nordeste, reconocidas como las más vulnerables del país.

Neurological disorders in pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries-Management gaps, impacts, and future prospects: A review perspective.

Neurological disorders during pregnancy are a substantial threat to women's health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, a critical shortage of mental health workers and neurologists exacerbates the already pressing issue, where a lack of coordination of respective healthcare among multidisciplinary teams involved in managing these conditions perpetuates the current state of affairs. Financial restrictions and societal stigmas associated with neurological disorders in pregnancy amplify the situation. Addressing these difficulties would necessitate a multifaceted approach comprising investments in healthcare infrastructure, healthcare professional education and training, increased government support for research, and the implementation of innovative care models. Improving access to specialized treatment and coordinated management of antenatal neurological diseases will precipitate improved health outcomes for women and their families in low- and middle-income countries.

Maternal diaphragmatic hernia in pregnancy: A systematic review with a treatment algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) is extremely rarely described during pregnancy. Due to the rarity, there is no diagnostic or treatment algorithm for DH in pregnancy. AIM: To summarize and define the most appropriate diagnostic methods and therapeutic options for DH in pregnancy based on scarce literature. METHODS: Literature search of English-, German-, Spanish-, and Italian-language articles were performed using PubMed (1946-2021), PubMed Central (1900-2021), and Google Scholar. The PRISMA protocol was followed. The search terms included: Maternal diaphragmatic hernia, congenital hernia, pregnancy, cardiovascular collapse, mediastinal shift, abdominal pain in pregnancy, hyperemesis, diaphragmatic rupture during labor, puerperium, hernie diaphragmatique maternelle, hernia diafragmática congenital. Additional studies were identified by reviewing reference lists of retrieved studies. Demographic, imaging, surgical, and obstetric data were obtained. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-eight cases were collected. The average maternal age increased across observed periods. The proportion of congenital hernias increased, while the other types appeared stationary. Most DHs were left-sided (83.8%). The median number of herniated organs declined across observed periods. A working diagnosis was correct in 50%. DH type did not correlate to maternal or neonatal outcomes. Laparoscopic access increased while thoracotomy varied across periods. Presentation of less than 3 days carried a significant risk of strangulation in pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation of DH is easily confused with common chest conditions, delaying the diagnosis, and increasing maternal and fetal mortality. Symptomatic DH should be included in the differential diagnosis of pregnant women with abdominal pain associated with dyspnea and chest pain, especially when followed by collapse. Early diagnosis and immediate intervention lead to excellent maternal and fetal outcomes. A proposed algorithm helps manage pregnant women with maternal DH. Strangulated DH requires an emergent operation, while delivery should be based on obstetric indications.

Umbilical Cord Diseases Affecting Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: (1) The aim of this article is to describe the physiopathology underlying umbilical cord diseases and their relationship with obstetric and perinatal outcomes. (2) Methods: Multicenter case series of umbilical cord diseases with illustrations from contributing institutions are presented. (3) Results: Clinical presentations of prenatal ultrasound findings, clinical prenatal features and postnatal outcomes are described. (4) Conclusions: Analysis of our series presents and discusses how umbilical cord diseases are associated with a wide variety of obstetric complications leading to a higher risk of poor perinatal outcomes in pregnancies. Knowing the physiopathology, prenatal clinical presentations and outcomes related to umbilical diseases allow for better prenatal counseling and management to potentially avoid severe obstetric and perinatal complications.

DeepCTG® 1.0: an interpretable model to detect fetal hypoxia from cardiotocography data during labor and delivery.

Introduction: Cardiotocography, which consists in monitoring the fetal heart rate as well as uterine activity, is widely used in clinical practice to assess fetal wellbeing during labor and delivery in order to detect fetal hypoxia and intervene before permanent damage to the fetus. We present DeepCTG® 1.0, a model able to predict fetal acidosis from the cardiotocography signals. Materials and methods: DeepCTG® 1.0 is based on a logistic regression model fed with four features extracted from the last available 30 min segment of cardiotocography signals: the minimum and maximum values of the fetal heart rate baseline, and the area covered by accelerations and decelerations. Those four features have been selected among a larger set of 25 features. The model has been trained and evaluated on three datasets: the open CTU-UHB dataset, the SPaM dataset and a dataset built in hospital Beaujon (Clichy, France). Its performance has been compared with other published models and with nine obstetricians who have annotated the CTU-UHB cases. We have also evaluated the impact of two key factors on the performance of the model: the inclusion of cesareans in the datasets and the length of the cardiotocography segment used to compute the features fed to the model. Results: The AUC of the model is 0.74 on the CTU-UHB and Beaujon datasets, and between 0.77 and 0.87 on the SPaM dataset. It achieves a much lower false positive rate (12% vs. 25%) than the most frequent annotation among the nine obstetricians for the same sensitivity (45%). The performance of the model is slightly lower on the cesarean cases only (AUC = 0.74 vs. 0.76) and feeding the model with shorter CTG segments leads to a significant decrease in its performance (AUC = 0.68 with 10 min segments). Discussion: Although being relatively simple, DeepCTG® 1.0 reaches a good performance: it compares very favorably to clinical practice and performs slightly better than other published models based on similar approaches. It has the important characteristic of being interpretable, as the four features it is based on are known and understood by practitioners. The model could be improved further by integrating maternofetal clinical factors, using more advanced machine learning or deep learning approaches and having a more robust evaluation of the model based on a larger dataset with more pathological cases and covering more maternity centers.

Defined, low threshold for caesarean section and multidisciplinary team management improves fetal outcome from acute pancreatitis in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) is associated with increased maternal and fetal mortality. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether a low threshold for cesarean section (C-section) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) or Predict SAP improves maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with APIP. METHODS: We identified patients with APIP at a single institution from a prospective database and studied fetal and maternal health in APIP before (2005-2014) and after (2015-2019) introduction of multidisciplinary team management with a defined, lowered threshold for C-section. The primary end point was fetal mortality comprising abortion and perinatal death. Risk factors associated with fetal mortality were analyzed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients with APIP were eligible for analysis. There was a highly significant increase in patients undergoing C-section from 37 (30.8%) of 120 during 2005-2014 to 27 (60%) of 45 in 2015-2019 (P = 0.001), with a highly significant fall in fetal mortality from 37 (30.8%) of 120 to 3 (6.7%) of 45 between the same periods (P = 0.001), when maternal mortality fell from 6 to zero (P = 0.19). Maternal early systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (odds ratio [OR] 6.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53, 30.80, P = 0.01) and SAP (OR 3.64, 95%CI 1.25, 10.60, P = 0.02) were two independent risk factors associated with fetal mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary collaboration and a defined, low threshold for C-section improve fetal outcomes in patients with APIP.

Padrões espaciais da mortalidade fetal e carência social no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / Spatial patterns of fetal mortality and social deprivation in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil / Estándares espaciales de mortalidad fetal y privación social en el estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

A mortalidade fetal é um indicador da assistência obstétrica e de condições de vida capaz de refletir o estado de saúde da mulher e a qualidade e a acessibilidade dos cuidados no pré-natal e na assistência intraparto. Com o objetivo de analisar os padrões espaciais da mortalidade fetal, a evitabilidade dos óbitos e a carência social no estado de Pernambuco, foi realizado um estudo ecológico considerando municípios, regiões de saúde e mesorregiões como unidades de análise. Incluíram-se os óbitos fetais registrados no Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade no período de 2010 a 2017. Classificou-se a evitabilidade dos óbitos pela Lista Brasileira de Causas de Mortes Evitáveis por Intervenções do Sistema Único de Saúde. Aplicou-se a estatística descritiva e o teste qui-quadrado para comparação de proporções das causas de morte. Na elaboração do índice de carência social, utilizou-se a técnica de análise fatorial por componentes principais com o teste de esfericidade de Bartlett para identificar a matriz de correlação. Com o índice calculado, os municípios foram agrupados em estratos de carência social pela técnica de k-means. Foram aplicadas a análise bayesiana e a estatística espacial de Moran para identificação de áreas prioritárias de mortalidade fetal e do índice de carência social. Registraram-se 12.337 óbitos fetais, sendo 8.927 (72,3%) por causas evitáveis. As variáveis idade da mãe, número de filhos mortos, tipo de gravidez, tipo de parto e peso ao nascer estiveram relacionadas à evitabilidade do óbito. Na construção do índice de carência social, o teste de esfericidade de Bartlett (χ² de 144,463; p < 0,01) e o coeficiente KMO (0,8) mostraram que as correlações entre os itens eram adequadas para a análise fatorial, assim como as correlações entre os indicadores. O índice de carência social indicou dois fatores que, juntos, explicaram 77,63% da variância total. A taxa de mortalidade fetal evitável apresentou aumento entre estratos de carência social, com taxas de 7,99 por mil nascimentos (baixa carência), 8,06 por mil (média carência), 8,83 por mil (alta carência) e 10,7 por mil (muito alta carência). O índice global de Moran verificou autocorrelação espacial significativa para a taxa de mortalidade fetal bayesiana (I = 0,10; p = 0,05), para a taxa de mortalidade fetal evitável bayesiana (I = 0,13; p = 0,03) e para o índice de carência social (I = 0,53; p = 0,01). Alguns municípios das mesorregiões do São Francisco e do Sertão Pernambucano tiveram simultaneamente elevada mortalidade fetal e mortalidade fetal evitável, além de índice de carência social muito alto. A análise espacial identificou áreas com maior risco para a mortalidade fetal. O índice de carência social relacionou alguns determinantes das mortes fetais em áreas com piores condições de vida. Detectaram-se áreas prioritárias para a intervenção de políticas públicas de redução da mortalidade fetal e seus determinantes.

Fetal mortality is an indicator of obstetric care and living conditions, capable of reflecting the state of women's health and the quality and accessibility of prenatal care and intrapartum care. To analyze the spatial patterns of fetal mortality, preventability of deaths, and social deprivation in the state of Pernambuco, an ecological study was carried out considering municipalities, health regions, and mesoregions as units of analysis. Fetal deaths registered in the Mortality Information System in the period from 2010 to 2017 were included. The deaths are classified as preventable by the Brazilian List of Causes of Preventable Deaths by Interventions of the Unified Health System. Descriptive statistics and the Qui-square test were applied for comparisons of proportions of causes of death. In the elaboration of the social deprivation index, the factorial analysis technique by principal components with the Bartlett's sphericity test was used to identify the correlation matrix. With the calculated index, the municipalities were grouped in social deprivation strata by the k-means technique. Bayesian analysis and Moran's spatial statistics were applied to identify priority areas of fetal mortality and the index of social deprivation. There were 12,337 fetal deaths registered, of which 8,927 (72.3%) were due to preventable causes. The variables of mother's age, number of dead children, type of pregnancy, type of birth, and weight at birth were related to preventability of death. In the construction of the social deprivation index, Bartlett's sphericity test (χ² of 144.463; p < 0.01) and the KMO coefficient (0.8) showed that the correlations between the items were adequate for factor analysis, as well as the correlations between the indicators. The social deprivation index pointed to two factors that, together, explained 77.63% of the total variance. The rate of preventable fetal mortality showed an increase among social deprivation strata, with rates of 7.99 per thousand births (low deprivation), 8.06 per thousand (medium deprivation), 8.83 per thousand (high deprivation), and 10.7 per thousand (very high social deprivation). The global Moran index verified significant spatial autocorrelation for the Bayesian fetal mortality rate (I = 0.10; p = 0.05), for the Bayesian preventable fetal mortality rate (I = 0.13; p = 0.03) e for the o social deprivation index (I = 0.53; p = 0.01). Some municipalities of the mesoregions of São Francisco and of Sertão of Pernambuco have simultaneously high fetal mortality and preventable fetal mortality, in addition to a very high rate of social deprivation. The spatial analysis identified areas with the highest risk for fetal mortality. The index of social deprivation relates to some determinants of fetal deaths in areas with the worst living conditions. We detected priority areas for the intervention of public policies to reduce fetal mortality and its determinants.

La mortalidad fetal es un indicador de la asistencia obstétrica y de las condiciones de vida capaz de reflejar el estado de salud de la mujer y la cualidad y accesibilidad de los cuidados en el prenatal y la asistencia intraparto. Con el objetivo de analizar los estándares espaciales de la mortalidad fetal, la evitabilidad de los fallecimientos y la privación social del estado de Pernambuco (Brasil), se realizó un estudio ecológico con los municipios, las regiones de salud y las mesorregiones como unidades de análisis. Se incluyeron los fallecimientos fetales registrados en el Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad en el período de 2010 a 2017. Se clasificó la evitabilidad de los fallecimientos desde la Lista Brasileña de Causas de Muertes Evitables por Intervenciones en el Sistema Único de Salud. Se aplicaron la estadística descriptiva y la prueba de chi-cuadrado para comparar las proporciones de las causas de muerte. En la elaboración del índice de privación social, se utilizó la técnica de análisis factorial por componentes principales con la prueba de esfericidad de Bartlett para identificar la matriz de correlación. Con el índice calculado, los municipios se agruparon en estados de privación desde la herramienta de k-means. Se aplicaron el análisis bayesiano y la estadística espacial de Moran para identificar las áreas prioritarias de la mortalidad fetal y el índice de privación social. Se registraron 12.337 fallecimientos fetales, de los cuales 8.927 (72,3%) fueron por causas evitables. Las variables edad de la madre, número de hijos muertos, tipo de embarazo, tipo de parto y peso al nacer estuvieron relacionadas con la evitabilidad del fallecimiento. En la construcción del índice de privación social, la prueba de esfericidad de Bartlett (χ² de 144,463; p < 0,01) y el coeficiente de KMO (0,8) mostraron que las correlaciones entre los ítems estaban adecuadas para el análisis factorial, así como las correlaciones entre los indicadores. El índice de privación social señaló a dos factores que juntos explican el 77,63% de la variancia total. La tasa de mortalidad fetal evitable tuvo un aumento entre los estados de privación social, con tasas de 7,99 por mil nacimientos (baja privación), 8,06 por mil (mediana privación), 8,83 por mil (alta privación) y 10,7 por mil (muy alta privación). El índice global de Moran evaluó la autocorrelación espacial significativa para la tasa de mortalidad fetal bayesiana (I = 0,10; p = 0,05), para la tasa de mortalidad fetal evitable bayesiana (I = 0,13; p = 0,03) y para el índice de privación social (I = 0,53; p = 0,01). Algunos municipios de las mesorregiones de São Francisco y de Sertão Pernambucano tuvieron alta mortalidad fetal, además del índice de privación social muy alto. Un análisis espacial identificó áreas con mayor riesgo de mortalidad fetal. El índice de privación social relacionó algunas de las causas de las muertes fetales en áreas con peores condiciones de vida. Se detectaron las áreas prioritarias a la intervención de las políticas públicas para reducir la mortalidad fetal y sus determinantes.

Temporal Trends in Stillbirth in Greece: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Stillbirths are a major public health issue and a key population health indicator. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate and present time trends in stillbirth in Greece. METHODS: Data on all live births and stillbirths were derived from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, covering a 65-year period from 1957 to 2021 and the annual stillbirth rate (SBR) was calculated, defined as the number of stillbirths per 1,000 live births and stillbirths (total births). Trends in the SBR were assessed using joinpoint regression analysis with calculation of the annual percent change (APC) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and level of statistical significance p<0.05. RESULTS: The SBR in Greece, after an initial increasing trend (1957-1965: APC=2.6, 95% CI: 0.5 to 4.7, p=0.016), and an all-time high of 15.8 per 1,000 births in 1966, recorded a four decades period of continuous improvement (1965-2003: APC=3.0, 95% CI: -3.2 to -2.8, p<0.001) and reached a historic low in 2008 (3.3 per 1,000 births) (a decrease by 79%). However, the SBR stagnated at an elevated level during the decade 2006-2016 and showed a steeply upward trend during the most recent period 2016-2021 (APC=7.4, 95% CI: 3.0 to 12.1, p=0.001). In 2021, the SBR was 5.3 per 1,000 births, 60% up from 2008. It was estimated that the SBR improvement for the 1967-2021 period resulted in 50,914 stillbirths averted (7.9 per 1,000 births), but the recent increase in the SBR has led to 1,200 additional fetal deaths (1.0 per 1,000 births) during 2009-2021. CONCLUSION: After an impressive decline for almost four decades the SBR gradually deteriorated during the economic crisis and finally showed an alarming rising trend after 2015, resulting in an increasing burden of fetal deaths in Greece. Further public health interventions are needed to address preventable risk factors and ensure access to optimized antenatal monitoring.

Prevalence and Mode of Birth in Late Fetal Mortality in Spain, 2016-2019.

(1) Background: The rate of cesarean sections in late fetal mortality remains high. We aimed to determine the prevalence of late fetal mortality in Spain and risk factors for cesarean birth in women with stillbirth ≥ 28 weeks gestation between 2016-2019. (2) Methods: A retrospective observational study with national data between 2016-2019. A total of 3504 births with fetal dead were included. Sociodemographic, obstetrical and neonatal variables were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression (MLR), with cesarean birth with a stillborn ≥ 28 weeks gestation as the dependent variable. (3) Results: The late fetal mortality rate was 2.8 × 1000; 22.7% of births were by cesarean section. Factors associated with cesarean were having a multiple birth (aOR 6.78); stillbirth weight (aOR 2.41); birth taking place in towns with over 50,000 inhabitants (aOR 1.34); and mother's age ≥ 35 (aOR 1.23). (4) Conclusions: The late fetal mortality rate increased during the period. The performance of cesarean sections was associated with the mother's age, obstetric factors and place of birth. Our findings encourage reflection on how to best put into practice national clinical and socio-educational prevention strategies, as well as the approved protocols on how childbirth should be correctly conducted.