Preinduction cervical ripening in an outpatient setting: a prospective pilot study of a synthetic osmotic dilator compared with a double-balloon catheter.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness, safety and patient satisfaction of a double balloon catheter (DB) with a synthetic osmotic cervical dilator (OD) for pre-induction cervical ripening in an outpatient setting. METHODS: This is a prospective, dual-center pilot study including 94 patients with an unripe cervix (Bishop Score <6) near term; 50 patients received the DB and 44 patients the OD. The primary outcomes were the difference in Bishop Score (BS) and cervical shortening. Pain perception at insertion and during the cervical ripening period was evaluated by a visual analogue scale and patient satisfaction by a predefined questionnaire. RESULTS: The use of DB was associated with a significantly higher increase in BS (median 3) compared to OD (median 2; p=0.002) and resulted in significantly greater cervical shortening (median -14 mm vs. -9 mm; p=0.003). There were no serious adverse events at placement of devices or during the cervical ripening. There were no significant differences in perinatal outcomes. Pain perception during cervical ripening was significantly higher (p<0.001), and patient satisfaction regarding sleep, relaxing time and performing desired daily activities were significantly lower in patients with DB compared to patients with OD (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DB was superior to OD regarding cervical ripening based on BS and on sonographic measurement of the cervical length. Patients with OD experienced less pain during cervical ripening and were more satisfied with the method compared to patients with DB.

Strategies for the prevention of maternal death from venous thromboembolism clinical recommendations based on current literature.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the leading causes of direct maternal deaths. It has been estimated that approximately 50% of these deaths are potentially preventable. The UK Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and the National Partnership for Maternal Safety have proposed strategies for the prevention of maternal deaths from VTE based on current guideline recommendations. The main strategies include: - Early recognition and comprehensive assessment of risk factors for VTE at different times from the beginning of pregnancy until patient's discharge from hospital. - Appropriate risk stratification using standardized VTE risk assessment tools (e.g. the Royal College Scoring System). - Risk-based antenatal and postnatal heparin thromboprophylaxis adjusting the heparin dosage and the duration of prophylaxis to the individual patient's risk. - Adequate management of heparin prophylaxis before and after delivery. - Preference of universal rather than selective post-cesarean heparin thromboprophylaxis and application of perioperative mechanical prophylaxis. - Avoidance of gaps in the postpartum prescription of heparin. - Good communication and cooperation between primary and secondary care including community midwifery staff in the postpartum period. - Immediate intravenous administration of (unfractionated) heparin, if pulmonary embolism is suspected. - Critical analysis of all thromboembolic events, particularly in association with maternal death to learn from failures and to realize, if and where improvement is needed. Adequate pharmacological thromboprophylaxis has the potential to reduce the risk of VTE by 60-70% in pregnant women at increased risk.

Maintenance tocolysis, tocolysis in preterm premature rupture of membranes and in cervical cerclage - a Germany-wide survey on the current practice after dissemination of the German guideline.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the adherence of German perinatal specialist units and those of basic obstetric care to the national guideline we compared data from a nation-wide survey on the practice of maintenance tocolysis, tocolysis in preterm premature rupture of membranes and in the perioperative setting of cervical cerclage, and bedrest during and after tocolysis with recommendations from the current German Guideline 015/025 "Prevention and Treatment of Preterm Birth". METHODS: A total of 632 obstetric clinics in Germany were approached and received a link to an online questionnaire. Data were descriptively analyzed by performing measures of frequency. To compare two or more groups Fisher's exact test was used. RESULTS: The response rate was 19%; 23 (19.2%) of respondents did not perform maintenance tocolysis, while 97 (80.8%) conducted maintenance tocolysis; 30 (25.0%) of obstetric units performed cervical cerclage without tocolysis and 90 (75.0%) combined cervical cerclage with tocolysis; 11 (9.2%) of respondents did not use tocolytics in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes, while 109 (90.8%) conducted tocolysis in these patients; 69 (57.5%) of obstetric units did not recommend bed rest during tocolysis, whereas 51 (42.5%) favored bedrest. Perinatal care centers of basic obstetric care recommend bed arrest during tocolysis statistically significant more often to their patients than those of higher perinatal care levels (53.6 vs. 32.8%, p=0.0269). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our survey are in accordance to others from different countries and reveal considerable discrepancies between evidence-based guideline recommendations and daily clinical practice.

[Hyperemesis Gravidarum - an Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary Challenge - Evidence-Based Review]. / Hyperemesis gravidarum ­ eine interprofessionelle und interdisziplinäre Herausforderung.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a multifactorial disease characterized by severe and persisting nausea and vomiting, impairment of oral intake, weight loss of at least 5%, electrolyte abnormalities, and dehydration. The prevalence of HG ranges from 0.3 to 10% worldwide. The diagnosis is made by the patient's prehistory, clinical symptoms, physical examination, and the typical laboratory abnormalities. Therapeutic cornerstones are nutrition advice, consultation of life style, psychological/psychosocial support of the mother as well as the administration of antiemetics in a stepwise approach, depending on the severity of symptoms, and finally admission to hospital in severe cases. Treatment of patients requires close interprofessional and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Cervical ripening as an outpatient procedure in the pandemic - minimizing the inpatient days and lowering the socioeconomic costs.

OBJECTIVES: With an increasing incidence of labor induction the socioeconomic costs are increasing and the burden on hospital capacities is rising. In addition, the worldwide SARS-CoV-2 pandemic asks for improvements in patient care during pregnancy and delivery while decreasing the patient-staff contact. Here, we are retrospectively analyzing and comparing a mechanical ripening device that is utilized as an outpatient procedure to misoprostol and dinoprostone as inpatient induction methods in a low risk cohort. METHODS: This is a retrospective comparative analysis of obstetric data on patients who presented for cervical ripening and labor induction. Ninety-six patients received a mechanical ripening agent as an outpatient procedure. As a control group, we used 99 patients with oral misoprostol (PGE1) and 42 patients with vaginal dinoprostone (PGE2) for cervical ripening in an inpatient setting. Data from 2016 until 2020 were analysed. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences. Delivery modes were similar in all groups. The time period from patient admission to onset of labor was significantly shorter in the outpatient group (p<0.001): 10.9 h/0.5 days (±13.6/0.6) for osmotic dilator vs. 17.9 h/0.7 days (±13.1/0.5) for oral misoprostol vs. 21.8 h/0.8 days (±15.9/0.7) for vaginal dinoprostone. With 20.4 h/0.8 days (±14.3/0.6) the osmotic dilator group displayed significantly the shortest inpatient stay from admission to delivery (p=0.027). The patient subgroup of misoprostol had 25.7 h/1.1 days (±14.9/0.6) of inpatient stay from admission to delivery and the patient group of dinoprostone 27.5 h/1.1 days (±16.0/0.7). There were fewer hospital days in the outpatient group: 84.9 h/3.5 days vs. 88.9 h/3.7 days vs. 93.6 h/3.9 days (outpatient osmotic dilator vs. inpatient misoprostol and dinoprostone, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: New approaches are required to decrease individual contacts between patients and staff while maintaining a high quality patient care in obstetrics. This analysis reveals that outpatient mechanical cervical ripening can be as safe and effective as inpatient cervical ripening with PGE1/PGE2, while lowering patient-staff contact and total hospital stays and therefore decreasing the socioeconomic costs.

Profiling of intact blood proteins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry without the need for freezing - Dried serum spots as future clinical tools for patient screening.

RATIONALE: To open up new ways for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS)-based patient screening, blood serum is the most preferred specimen because of its richness in patho-physiological information and due to ease of collection. To overcome deleterious freeze/thaw cycles and to reduce high costs for shipping and storage, we sought to develop a procedure which enables MALDI-MS protein profiling of blood serum proteins without the need for serum freezing. METHODS: Blood sera from patients/donors were divided into portions which after pre-incubation were fast frozen. Thawed aliquots were deposited on filter paper discs and air-dried at room temperature. Intact serum proteins were eluted with acid-labile detergent-containing solutions and were desalted by employing a reversed-phase bead system. Purified protein solutions were screened by MALDI-MS using standardized instrument settings. RESULTS: MALDI mass spectra from protein solutions which were eluted from filter paper discs and desalted showed on average 25 strong ion signals (mass range m/z 6000 to 10,000) from intact serum proteins (apolipoproteins, complement proteins, transthyretin and hemoglobin) and from proteolytic processing products. Semi-quantitative analysis of three ion pairs: m/z 6433 and 6631, m/z 8205 and 8916, as well as m/z 9275 and 9422, indicated that the mass spectra from either pre-incubated fast-frozen serum or pre-incubated dried serum spot eluted serum contained the same information on protein composition. CONCLUSIONS: A workflow that avoids the conventional cold-chain and yet enables the investigation of intact serum proteins and/or serum proteolysis products by MALDI-MS profiling was developed. The presented protocol tremendously broadens the clinical application of MALDI-MS and simultaneously allows a reduction in the costs for storage and shipping of serum samples. This will pave the way for clinical screening of patients also in areas with limited access to health care systems, and/or specialized laboratories.

Cervical ripening after cesarean section: a prospective dual center study comparing a mechanical osmotic dilator vs. prostaglandin E2.

OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, the overall cesarean section is rising. Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is an overall safe option with an immediate impact on neonatal and maternal short- and long-term health. Since the use of prostaglandins in cervical ripening is associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture, mechanical methods as balloon catheters or osmotic dilators have been suggested for cervical ripening prior to induction of labour. Here we are analyzing and comparing the VBAC rate, as well as maternal and fetal outcome in cervical ripening prior to TOLAC. METHODS: This prospective dual center study analyses maternal and neonatal outcomes of TOLAC in women with an unfavorable cervix requiring cervical ripening agent. The prospective application of an osmotic dilator (Dilapan-S, n=104) was analysed in comparison to the retrospective application of off-label dinoprostone (n=102). RESULTS: The overall fetal and neonatal outcome revealed no significant differences in both groups. Patients receiving cervical ripening with the osmotic dilator delivered vaginally/by ventouse in 52% of cases, compared to 53% when using dinoprostone (p=0.603). The interval between application to onset of labor was significantly higher in the osmotic dilator group (37.9 vs.20.7 h, p=<0.001). However, time from onset of labor to delivery was similar in both groups (7.93 vs. 7.44 h, p=0.758). There was one case of uterine rupture in the dinoprostone group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data shows that the application of the osmotic dilator leads to similar outcomes in VBAC rate and time from onset of labor to delivery as well as safety in both groups compared to off-label use dinoprostone. Cervical ripening using the mechanical dilator is a viable and effective option, without the risk of uterine hyperstimulation.

Heterogenous use of misoprostol for induction of labour: results of an online survey among midwives in German-speaking countries.

PURPOSE: This online survey looked at the experiences and general perceptions of midwives concerning induction of labour and the specific use of misoprostol. METHODS: We published an online questionnaire with 24 questions in German on midwives' experiences and perceptions of different methods of induction of labour. RESULTS: The online survey was answered by 412 midwives between February 2016 and February 2017. At least 20% of the 24 questions were answered in 333 questionnaires, which were included in this analysis. Oral misoprostol was the most common induction method for primipara and for women with a previous vaginal birth and an unfavourable cervix. Apart from alternative methods for induction of labour like castor oil and complementary/alternative methods, oral misoprostol was the preferred method of induction of labour by midwives. Midwives described a wide range of dosage schedules concerning application intervals, starting doses, and the maximum daily dose of misoprostol. Approximately 50% of the participants of this study described prescriptions of more than 200 µg misoprostol daily for induction of labour. CONCLUSION: Misoprostol is widely used in Germany and was one of the three preferred methods of induction of labour among midwives in our study next to castor oil and complementary/alternative methods. The preparation and dosage of misoprostol vary significantly among hospitals and do not adhere to international guidelines. Midwives voiced their concerns about inconsistent indications and heterogenous use of different methods and dosages of induction. They wished for more patience with late-term pregnancies and individualized shared decision-making between pregnant women and obstetricians.

[Ambulatory and Home Blood Pressure Measurement in Hypertensive Pregnant Women]. / Ambulante und häusliche Blutdruckmessung bei hypertensiven Schwangeren.

The prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) is 6-8%. Blood pressure measurement (BPM) remains the cornerstone of diagnosis and should be performed in a standardised manner using automated devices. Office BPM represents only a spotty reading in an "artificial" environment failing to diagnose white coat hypertension (WCH). Ambulatory and home blood pressure measurement (ABPM/HBPM) are recommended for the diagnosis and differentiation of hypertension as well as for blood pressure and therapy control in women with HDP. Patient compliance is crucial for the use of both methods. ABPM is an appropriate method for the early identification of WCH and masked hypertension as well as for differentiating WCH from chronic hypertension < 20 week's gestation. HBPM has been shown to reduce the number of antenatal visits and hospital admissions compared to office blood pressure measurement without compromising maternal and fetal outcomes; it also avoids unnecessary antihypertensive medications and reduces the rate of labour inductions and false diagnosis of "preeclampsia". Problems associated with ABPM are its limited availability and inconvenience to patients due to sleep disturbances. Disadvantages of HBPM are the need for patient training, potential measurement errors, and the lack of evidence-based BP thresholds. The widespread use especially of HBPM may contribute to a reduction in workload of obstetric staff in the hospital and may save hospital expense.

[Does Apolipoprotein B Level in Early Pregnancy Predict Excessive Gestational Weight Gain and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome?] / Exzessive Gewichtszunahme in der Schwangerschaft und die prognostische Bedeutung des Apolipoprotein B.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) is a risk factor for maternal and fetal complications. The lipid profile changes physiologically during pregnancy. Weight gain can affect lipid metabolism. The hypothesis of the study was that apoB levels early in pregnancy are associated with excessive GWG and predictive for adverse outcomes. METHODS: Out of 547 patients there were 95 women with inadequate GWG, 171 with adequate GWG, and 281 with excessive GWG. Out of 581 patients there were 14 patients with pregnancy-induced hypertonus/pre-eclampsia, 67 with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, and 7 with fetal growth restriction (FGR). ApoB levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in apoB levels between the different GWG groups. We found significantly higher levels of apoB in overweight and obese patients compared to those with normal BMI. Smoking was correlated with higher apoB levels. There were no differences either between women with PIH/PE and normotensive women or between SGA/IUGR and pregnancies without. Women with pre-existing hypertension showed significantly higher apoB levels than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: ApoB cannot be used as a marker for identifying the risk of excessive GWG or adverse pregnancy outcomes early in pregnancy. However, it may be involved in the pathophysiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes in high-risk patients.

Maintenance tocolysis: a reappraisal of clinical evidence.

INTRODUCTION: Maintenance tocolysis, mostly defined as the continuation of tocolytic treatment beyond 48 h, remains a matter of debate. There is no sufficient evidence from randomized controlled trials, that maintenance tocolysis is able to prolong pregnancy significantly and to reduce severe neonatal morbidity and mortality. Hence, it is not recommended in current guidelines. On the contrary, maintenance tocolysis is commonly used in clinical practice and subject of current clinical-scientific investigations. TOCOLYTICS FOR MAINTENANCE TREATMENT: None of the conventional tocolytics (beta-sympathomimetics, calcium-channel blockers, magnesium, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, and oxytocin receptor antagonists) have proven to be appropriate for maintenance treatment. Progesterone and 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate have shown promising results in low-quality randomized trials, but not in high-quality studies. DISCUSSION: Basically, the value of studies regarding maintenance tocolysis is limited by a considerable heterogeneity, its mostly low quality, significant differences in methodology as well as the inadequate statistical power due to the small number of women studied. So far, maintenance tocolysis is a case-by-case decision outweighing the benefits and harms of tocolytic treatment.

[Perinatal Emergencies in Emergency Medical Aid - Obstetric Emergencies Series, Part 4]. / Akute peripartale Gefahrensituationen im Rettungsdienst.

As far as prehospital but in part also clinical obstetrics is concerned, the acute nature of perinatal emergencies is overshadowed by limited diagnostic and therapeutic options. The need for acute and targeted intervention may result from both maternal and fetal indications. As common in emergency services for pregnant women, prehospital primary assessment and logistics management (e.g., transport time/type, choice of destination) define the prognosis. Non-specific emergencies coincident to pregnancy are to be distinguished from perinatal emergencies caused by expecting a child (hypertensive pregnancy disorders, perinatal bleeding, thrombosis, and embolism). In order to cope with rare and unpredictable emergencies, medical teams profit from standardized algorithms to support a high quality of prehospital care. Extensive information and training concepts are essential. The presented series on obstetric emergencies introduces the required knowledge and skills.

[Prevention and Therapy of Preterm Birth. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/025, February 2019) - Part 1 with Recommendations on the Epidemiology, Etiology, Prediction, Primary and Secondary Prevention of Preterm Birth]. / Prävention und Therapie der Frühgeburt. Leitlinie der DGGG, OEGGG und SGGG (S2k-Niveau, AWMF-Registernummer 015/025, Februar 2019) ­ Teil 1 mit Empfehlungen zur Epidemiologie, Ätiologie, Prädiktion, primären und sekundären Prävention der Frühgeburt.

AIMS: This is an official guideline of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (ÖGGG) and the Swiss Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). The aim of this guideline is to improve the prediction, prevention and management of preterm birth based on evidence obtained from recent scientific literature, the experience of the members of the guideline commission and the views of self-help groups. METHODS: Based on the international literature, the members of the participating medical societies and organizations developed Recommendations and Statements. These were adopted following a formal process (structured consensus conference with neutral moderation, voting was done in writing using the Delphi method to achieve consensus). RECOMMENDATIONS: Part I of this short version of the guideline lists Statements and Recommendations on the epidemiology, etiology, prediction and primary and secondary prevention of preterm birth.

[Prevention and Therapy of Preterm Birth. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/025, February 2019) - Part 2 with Recommendations on the Tertiary Prevention of Preterm Birth and the Management of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes]. / Prävention und Therapie der Frühgeburt. Leitlinie der DGGG, OEGGG und SGGG (S2k-Niveau, AWMF-Registernummer 015/025, Februar 2019) ­ Teil 2 mit Empfehlungen zur tertiären Prävention der Frühgeburt und zum Management des frühen vorzeitigen Blasensprungs.

AIMS: This is an official guideline of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (ÖGGG) and the Swiss Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). The aim of this guideline is to improve the prediction, prevention and management of preterm birth based on evidence obtained from recently published scientific literature, the experience of the members of the guideline commission and the views of self-help groups. METHODS: The members of the participating medical societies and organizations developed Recommendations and Statements based on the international literature. The Recommendations and Statements were adopted following a formal consensus process (structured consensus conference with neutral moderation, voting done in writing using the Delphi method to achieve consensus). RECOMMENDATIONS: Part 2 of this short version of the guideline presents Statements and Recommendations on the tertiary prevention of preterm birth and the management of preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Induction of labor in patients with an unfavorable cervix after a cesarean using an osmotic dilator versus vaginal prostaglandin.

BACKGROUND: Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is a viable option for safe delivery. In some cases cervical ripening and subsequent labor induction is necessary. However, the commonly used prostaglandins are not licensed in this subgroup of patients and are associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture. METHODS: This cohort study compares maternal and neonatal outcomes of TOLAC in women (n=82) requiring cervical ripening agents (osmotic dilator vs. prostaglandins). The initial Bishop scores (BSs) were 2 (0-5) and 3 (0-5) (osmotic dilator and prostaglandin group, respectively). In this retrospective analysis, Fisher's exact test, the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and Pearson's chi-squared test were utilized. RESULTS: Vaginal birth rate (including operative delivery) was 55% (18/33) in the osmotic dilator group vs. 51% (25/49) in the dinoprostone group (P 0.886). Between 97% and 92% (32/33 and 45/49) (100%, 100%) of neonates had an Apgar score of >8 after 1 min (5, 10 min, respectively). The time between administration of the agent and onset of labor was 36 and 17.1 h (mean, Dilapan-S® group, dinoprostone group, respectively). Time from onset of labor to delivery was similar in both groups with 4.4 and 4.9 h (mean, Dilapan-S® group, dinoprostone group, respectively). Patients receiving cervical ripening with Dilapan-S® required oxytocin in 97% (32/33) of cases. Some patients presented with spontaneous onset of labor, mostly in the dinoprostone group (24/49, 49%). Amniotomy was performed in 64% and 49% (21/33 and 24/49) of cases (Dilapan-S® group and dinoprostone group, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study examines the application of an osmotic dilator for cervical ripening to promote vaginal delivery in women who previously delivered via cesarean section. In our experience, the osmotic dilator gives obstetricians a chance to perform induction of labor in these women.

NLRP genes and their role in preeclampsia and multi-locus imprinting disorders.

Preeclampsia (PE) affects 2-5% of all pregnancies. It is a multifactorial disease, but it has been estimated that 35% of the variance in liability of PE are attributable to maternal genetic effects and 20% to fetal genetic effects. PE has also been reported in women delivering children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS, OMIM 130650), a disorder associated with aberrant methylation at genomically imprinted loci. Among others, members of the NLRP gene family are involved in the etiology of imprinting defects. Thus, a functional link between PE, NLRP gene mutations and aberrant imprinting can be assumed. Therefore we analyzed a cohort of 47 PE patients for NLRP gene mutations by next generation sequencing. In 25 fetuses where DNA was available we determined the methylation status at the imprinted locus. With the exception of one woman heterozygous for a missense variant in the NLRP7 gene (NM_001127255.1(NLRP7):c.542G>C) we could not identify further carriers, in the fetal DNA normal methylation patterns were observed. Thus, our negative screening results in a well-defined cohort indicate that NLRP mutations are not a relevant cause of PE, though strong evidence for a functional link between NLRP mutations, PE and aberrant methylation exist.

[Maternal Deaths Worldwide Falling - But Commonly Preventable]. / Müttersterbefälle weltweit rückläufig, aber häufig vermeidbar!

According to data from the WHO, maternal mortality ratio has dropped worldwide by 44% between 1990 and 2015, yet more than 300,000 mothers still die annually, about 99% of them in the developing countries. In some developed countries the incidence of maternal deaths has even increased during the past 2 decades. The leading causes of direct maternal deaths are haemorrhage (nearly 3-quarters from postpartum haemorrhage), pulmonary embolism including amniotic fluid embolism, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; the leading cause of indirect maternal deaths is cardiac disease of the mother. The most important step to prevent maternal deaths is the accurate evaluation of each death by a multidisciplinary committee of independent experts, followed by consensus-based agreement on the underlying cause of death, the quality of care, and whether or not the death was preventable. The UK Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and Morbidity are internationally recognized as the 'gold standard' in maternal mortality surveillance. Considering the 11 studies from different developed countries, nearly 50% of direct maternal deaths (range: 26-75%) are potentially preventable, most often those due to postpartum haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and the fewest of all due to amniotic fluid embolisms. The crucial point is to learn from failures leading to maternal deaths: each obstetric unit should scrutinise if and where the need for improvement exists to prevent severe maternal morbidity and mortality.

Serum cholesterol acceptor capacity in intrauterine growth restricted fetuses.

AIM: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases later in life. The mechanisms whereby slowed intrauterine growth confers vascular risk are not clearly established. In general, a disturbed cholesterol efflux has been linked to atherosclerosis. The capacity of serum to accept cholesterol has been repeatedly evaluated in clinical studies by the use of macrophage-based cholesterol efflux assays and, if disturbed, precedes atherosclerotic diseases years before the clinical diagnosis. We now hypothesized that circulating cholesterol acceptors in IUGR sera specifically interfere with cholesterol transport mechanisms leading to diminished cholesterol efflux. METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were used to determine efflux of [3H]-cholesterol in response to [umbilical cord serum (IUGR), n=20; controls (CTRL), n=20]. RESULTS: Cholesterol efflux was lower in IUGR as compared to controls [controls: mean 7.7% fractional [3H]-cholesterol efflux, standard deviation (SD)=0.98; IUGR: mean 6.3%, SD=0.79; P<0.0001]. Values strongly correlated to HDL (ρ=0.655, P<0.0001) and apoE (ρ=0.510, P=0.0008), and mildly to apoA1 (ρ=0.3926, P=0.0122) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced cholesterol efflux in IUGR could account for the enhanced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Pregnant Women in Sport Climbing - Is there a Higher Risk for Preterm Birth?

Sport climbing is a popular recreational sport with an increasing proportion of female athletes. International recommendations emphasize the physical and mental benefits of regular sport activity during any uncomplicated pregnancy. In this context, sport climbing is associated with a high risk potential.The aim of this study was to examine if there is a higher risk for preterm birth in active climbing athletes.Original manuscript.A retrospective self-report online survey in the German language collected data between September 2012 and November 2013. In addition to anthropometric and demographic data, data on climbing experience, preferred climbing discipline, skill level and changes of climbing habits during pregnancy, known risk factors for preterm birth and information on delivery and the newborn were requested. The rate of preterm birth of the survey was tested with Fisher's exact test with information from the German Federal Statistical Office.Sample size was 32. 72% had a university degree, 81% were primiparous, all were singleton pregnancies. A 33rd questionnaire was excluded because of described preeclampsia. Age ranged between 21 and 39 years, climbing experience before pregnancy between 2 and 24 years, and skill level before pregnancy between 4 and 7 on the UIAA scale (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation). Half of the women climbed until the 36th week and 90% adjusted their climbing habits mostly by reducing climbing difficulty and doing more top roping. 2 preterm births in the 36th week of gestation were found (2 from 15, p=0.36). According to the data from the German Federal Statistical Office, 8.9% births in the year 2013 in Germany were preterm.This is the first study investigating the risk of preterm birth in recreational sport climbing athletes. No significantly higher proportion of preterm birth could be found. Limitations are small sample size and high social status of participants. What is known about the subject: Sport climbing is not a high-risk sport, but it is regarded as a dynamic whole-body exercise and has been shown to be a valuable therapy for various physical and mental diseases. Higher performance levels are associated with overuse damage to the upper extremity, especially the fingers. What this study adds to existing knowledge: This is first study investigating climbing-related risk of preterm birth. When continuing sport climbing as a recreational activity during an uncomplicated pregnancy, experienced athletes do not have a higher risk of adverse events.

[Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Risk Stratification of Venous Thromboembolism in Pregnancy and the Puerperium]. / Epidemiologie, Risikofaktoren und Risikostratifizierung venöser Thromboembolien (VTE) in Schwangerschaft und Wochenbett.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of direct maternal deaths in the developed countries. The incidence of VTE has increased significantly during the past two decades. The absolute risk of VTE is estimated 0.6-2.2 per 1000 deliveries. Compared with age-matched non-pregnant women, the daily risk of VTE is increased 7- to 10-fold for antepartum VTE, but it is 15- to 35-fold for postpartum VTE. The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) during the first 6 weeks postpartum is nearly 15-fold higher compared to the incidence in pregnancy, and remains significantly increased up to 12 weeks postpartum. The case fatality rate of PE ranges from 2.2 to 6.6%.The basis of VTE prevention is careful assessment of individual risk factors of VTE and proper risk stratification.It is necessary to differentiate preexisting maternal from transient pregnancy-specific risk factors. Women with previous VTE or hereditary high-risk thrombophilias or with the antiphospholipid syndrome have the highest risk for VTE in pregnancy and the puerperium.Other most important pregnancy-specific risk factors in the antenatal period are severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, hyperemesis, major surgery, severe comorbidities (e.g., systemic lupus erythematodes), hospitalization in women with a body mass index > 25 kg/m2, and inflammatory bowel diseases.Heart diseases, stillbirth, systemic infections, severe postpartum hemorrhage in combination with blood product replacement and/or surgery and emergency caesarean section are predominant risk factors in the postpartum period.Recommendations for risk stratification vary among current international guidelines. According to the SOGC (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada) 2014, pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis is recommended if the estimated absolute risk of one or multiple risk factors is greater than 1%.The ACCP (American College of Chest Physicians) Guideline 2012 presents specific recommendations only for post-caesarean risk-factor-based prophylaxis.The recent RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) Guideline No. 37a 2015 recommends risk stratification for VTE prophylaxis on the basis of a special risk scoring system weighting individual risk factors between one point (low risk) to a maximum of 4 points (very high risk).A check list of important risk factors and a management plan for thromboprophylaxis based on current guidelines should be readily available in each obstetric unit.