Same disease - different effect: maternal diabetes impact on birth weight stratified by fetal sex.

BACKGROUND: Male-sex is an independent risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes. One example is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is associated with large gestational age neonates. It was previously described that fetal glucose metabolism is affected by fetal sex. PURPOSE: To examine whether the birth weight of neonates is affected differently by GDM according to fetal sex. METHODS: A retrospective normalized cohort analysis, using the open database of 2017 Natality Data from the National Vital Statistics System in the US. We compared the delta in neonatal birth weight, according to fetal sex, between pregnancies with or without GDM. Linear regression was used to take into consideration the effect of multiple confounders. For evaluation whether fetal sex is an independent risk factor for macrosomia (> 4000 and > 4500 g) following pregnancies complicated by GDM we used multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between the sex of the neonate and the delta in birth weight associated with GDM (P-value < 0.0001). The average weight gain in neonates to GDM pregnancies was 71 g in females, and 56 g in males. The prevalence of macrosomia above 4000 g and 4500 g that was attributed to GDM was higher in female-sex neonates compared to male-sex neonates (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to our study results, female sex is associated with higher fetal weight gain in pregnancies complicated by GDM. Moreover, macrosomia's rate (> 4000 g and > 4500 g) attributed to GDM raised in a more significant manner in female-sex neonates.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Poorly Controlled Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) in women of reproductive age has surged globally, contributing to increased rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a crucial marker for diagnosing and monitoring PGDM, with periconceptional levels influencing the risk of congenital anomalies and complications. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between periconceptional HbA1c levels and perinatal complications in pregnant women with poorly controlled PGDM. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of pregnancies between 2010 and 2019, HbA1c > 6% at 3 months prior to conception or during the first trimester. Outcomes of periconceptional HbA1c levels were compared. RESULTS: The cohort included 89 women: 49 with HbA1c 6-8%, 29 with HbA1c 8-10%, and 11 with HbA1c > 10%. Higher HbA1c levels were more prevalent in type 1 diabetics and were associated with increased end-organ damage risk. Women with elevated HbA1c levels tended toward unbalanced glucose levels during pregnancy. The cohort exhibited high rates of preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, cesarean delivery, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Overall live birth rate was 83%. While a significant correlation was found between HbA1c levels and preterm delivery, no consistent association was observed with other adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Periconceptional glycemic control in PGDM pregnancies is important. Elevated HbA1c levels are associated with increased risks of adverse outcomes. Beyond a certain HbA1c level, risks of complications may not proportionally escalate.

Greater risk of type 2 diabetes progression in multifetal gestations with gestational diabetes: the impact of obesity.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse outcomes in multifetal pregnancies is complex and controversial. Moreover, limited research has focused on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus specifically in multifetal pregnancies, resulting in conflicting results from existing studies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus between singleton and multifetal pregnancies in a large cohort of parturients with a 5-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted on a prospective cohort of pregnant individuals with pregnancies between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, followed up to 5 years after delivery. Glucose levels during pregnancy were obtained from the Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization laboratory system and cross-linked with the Israeli National Diabetes Registry. The cohort was divided into 4 groups: singleton pregnancy without gestational diabetes mellitus, singleton pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus, multifetal pregnancy without gestational diabetes mellitus, and multifetal pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus. Gestational diabetes mellitus was defined according to the American Diabetes Association criteria using the 2-step strategy. Univariate analyses, followed by survival analysis that included Kaplan-Meier hazard curves and Cox proportional-hazards models, were used to assess differences between groups and calculate the adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Among 88,611 parturients, 61,891 cases met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was 6.5% in the singleton pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus group and 9.4% in the multifetal pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus group. Parturients with gestational diabetes mellitus, regardless of plurality, were older and had higher fasting plasma glucose levels in the first trimester of pregnancy. The rates of increased body mass index, hypertension, and earlier gestational age at delivery were significantly higher in the gestational diabetes mellitus group among patients with singleton pregnancies but not among patients with multifetal pregnancies. Survival analysis demonstrated that gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with adjusted hazard ratios of type 2 diabetes mellitus of 4.62 (95% confidence interval, 3.69-5.78) in singleton pregnancies and 9.26 (95% confidence interval, 2.67-32.01) in multifetal pregnancies (P<.001 for both). Stratified analysis based on obesity status revealed that, in parturients without obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus in singleton pregnancies increased the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus by 10.24 (95% confidence interval, 6.79-15.44; P<.001) compared with a nonsignificant risk in multifetal pregnancies (adjusted hazard ratio, 9.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-90.22; P=.059). Among parturients with obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus for both singleton and multifetal pregnancies (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.66; [95% confidence interval, 2.81-4.67; P<.001] and 9.31 [95% confidence interval, 2.12-40.76; P=.003], respectively). CONCLUSION: Compared with gestational diabetes mellitus in singleton pregnancies, gestational diabetes mellitus in multifetal pregnancies doubles the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus. This effect is primarily observed in patients with obesity. Our findings underscore the importance of providing special attention and postpartum follow-up for patients with multifetal pregnancies and gestational diabetes mellitus, especially those with obesity, to enable early diagnosis and intervention for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Postpartum voiding dysfunction following vaginal versus caesarean delivery.

In this prospective study, we evaluated postpartum voiding dysfunction stratified by mode of delivery - vaginal delivery versus elective caesarean delivery (CD). We recruited nulliparous women carrying singleton gestation at term admitted to delivery room or elective CD. Pre-labour voiding function was assessed by recording the post-voiding residual volume (PVRV) using a bladder scan. PVRV evaluation was repeated at least 12 hours following delivery and before discharge. PVRVs were considered abnormal if ≥150 mL. PVRVs were compared between vaginal and CD. Overall, 54 women were included. Of them, 34 (63%) delivered vaginally and 20 (37%) had an elective CD. Postpartum mean PVRVs were significantly higher compared to pre-labour PVRVs (215 vs. 133 mL, p<.001). Abnormal postpartum PVRV was significantly higher in vaginal delivery compared to CD (73.5% vs. 45%, p<.05). In conclusion, delivery adversely affects voiding function. Vaginal delivery is associated with more severe voiding dysfunction compared to elective CD.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Delivery is associated with voiding dysfunction. While most studies on postpartum voiding dysfunction were related to vaginal delivery, little is known on the effect of mode of delivery (vaginal versus caesarean delivery (CD)) on voiding dysfunction.What the results of this study add? In this study, we found that postpartum post-voiding residual volume is significantly higher than the pre-labour PVRV in women delivered vaginally. In addition, postpartum PVRV was significantly higher in women delivered vaginally compared to elective CD.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study implicates that women with vaginal delivery are more prone to voiding dysfunction compared to elective CD. However, larger observational studies are warranted to confirm these results and evaluate whether this difference still exists beyond the post-partum period.

The Accuracy of Sonographic Fetal Head Circumference in Twin Pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of sonographic estimation of fetal head circumference in twin gestations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of sonographic evaluations of twin gestations >34 weeks, performed within 7 days of delivery, in a single university-affiliated medical centre. Sonographic head circumference was compared with neonatal head circumference. Measures of accuracy included systematic error, random error, proportion of estimates within 5% of neonatal head circumference, and reliability analysis. Accuracy of sonographic head circumference was compared between the first and second twin. RESULTS: Overall, 103 twin gestations were evaluated at a median of 4 days before delivery. The majority of twins were dichorionic-diamniotic (83%). Median gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks, with a median birth weight of 2645 grams for the first twin and 2625 grams for the second twin. For all fetuses, median sonographic head circumference was lower than the neonatal head circumference (first twin: 317.5 vs. 330 mm; second twin: 318.4 vs. 330 mm, P > 0.05 for both). Measures of accuracy showed no significant difference between first and second twin. There was no difference in the number of sonographic head circumference evaluations that were within 5% of the neonatal head circumference between fetuses (64% for both twins). Cronbach α value was higher for the second twin (0.746 vs. 0.613), suggesting higher accuracy for head circumference measurement for the second twin. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, sonographic head circumference underestimated postnatal head circumference. Accuracy measurements were not significantly different between the first and second twin.

Extremely high levels of alkaline phosphatase and pregnancy outcome: case series and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between extremely elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) levels (above 1000 U/L) and adverse perinatal outcome. METHODS: A retrospective case series of all parturients with extremely elevated ALKP levels taken throughout pregnancy at a single university-affiliated medical center (2010-2018). Demographics and medical data were retrieved. Following literature review, previously reported similar cases were added to the cohort. We report perinatal outcome of our cohort as well as literature review. RESULTS: During study period 11 parturients with high ALKP were identified. Ten more cases were retrieved from PubMed search. Overall, median ALKP levels were 1880 (range 1052-4488 U/L). Reasons for evaluation were mostly nonspecific symptoms (pruritus, headache, abdominal pain) or routine obstetrical evaluation. In 10/12 (83%) cases, elevated ALKP levels were of placental origin; the rest had osteal origin. Median gestational age at delivery was 38 (range 35-41); four (19%) women had preterm delivery. Six patients (29%) had gestational diabetes mellitus and six (29%) had hypertensive disorders. Histopathology of the placenta was available in eight cases: three normal histology (38%) and five with different non-specific pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: We report the largest case series of extremely elevated levels of ALKP in pregnancy thus far. Our data suggest association with adverse perinatal outcome.

Flat Oral Glucose Tolerance Test During Pregnancy: Maternal Characteristics and Risk for Adverse Outcomes.

Flat oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) curve is characterized by low glucose levels, seemingly nonresponsive to glucose load. Few studies have explored flat OGTT during pregnancy and have yielded conflicting results, some suggesting risk for fetal growth restriction. This study evaluated the characteristics and perinatal outcomes of women with a flat OGTT during pregnancy. We found that a flat OGTT curve occurs in younger, leaner pregnant women. Also, flat OGTT curve was significantly associated with a male fetus and higher levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A at the first-trimester screening. Although flat OGTT can possibly reflect some degree of hyperinsulinemia, it is generally not associated with adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.

Women's preferences for mode of second birth-A prospective study of two Israeli birth cohorts.

INTRODUCTION: Various biopsychosocial factors affect women's preferences with respect to mode of birth, but they are usually not examined simultaneously and prospectively. In the current study, we assessed the contribution of personal characteristics of first-time mothers, their prior prenatal perceptions, events during birth, and subjective birth experiences, on their preference about mode of second birth. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of two prospective birth cohort studies. Participants included 832 primiparous women recruited mostly from women's health centers in Israel, and through natural birth communities and cesarean birth websites. Women completed questionnaires prenatally and were followed up at 6-8 weeks postpartum to understand their preferences for a second birth. RESULTS: Regression models indicated that after vaginal first birth, being less religious, believing that birth is a medical process, and having a negative experience increased the odds of preferring primary cesarean for the second birth. After cesarean birth, being more religious, having higher education, conceiving spontaneously, having a more negative birth experience, and perceiving better treatment from the staff during birth contributed to preferring vaginal birth for the second birth. CONCLUSIONS: Religiosity is central to women's preferences, probably because of its association with the desire to have many children. Modifiable factors, such as women's beliefs about the nature of birth, their overall birth experience, and their perceived treatment from the staff, could influence the uptake of having vaginal births. Intrapartum care that is empathic and encouraging, along with education about modes of birth, could help decrease cesarean birth rates.

Interpregnancy interval and the risk for recurrence of placental mediated pregnancy complications.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short or long interpregnancy interval (IPI) with placental mediated pregnancy complications after already complicated first delivery. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all women with singleton pregnancies who delivered their first three consecutive deliveries in one university-affiliated medical center (1994-2013). Placental mediated complications included placental abruption, small for gestational age, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, or preterm delivery. Following first complicated delivery, IPI was compared stratified by second delivery outcome. Following two complicated deliveries, IPI was compared stratified by third delivery outcome. IPI was evaluated as continuous or categorical variable (>18, 18-60, >60 months). Related samples Cochrans' Q test and Mann-Whitney analysis were used as appropriate. Results Overall, 4310 women entered analysis. Of them, 18.3%, 10.5%, and 9.3% had complicated first, second, and third delivery, consecutively. Evaluated continuously, longer IPI, but not short IPI, was associated with higher rates of complicated second delivery. Stratified to categories, IPI had no effect on recurrent complications evaluated separately or as composite. Conclusion Our results suggest that long IPI may increase risk for placental mediated pregnancy complications. Further studies are needed to evaluate this effect.

Novel extra cellular-like matrices to improve human ovarian grafting.

PURPOSE: To investigate if human ovarian grafting with pure virgin human recombinant collagen type-1 from bioengineered plant lines (CollPlant™) or small intestine submucosa (SIS) yields better implantation results for human ovarian tissue and which method benefits more when combined with the host melatonin treatment and graft incubation with biological glue + vitamin E + vascular endothelial growth factor-A. METHODS: Human ovarian tissue wrapped in CollPlant or SIS was transplanted into immunodeficient mice with/without host/graft treatment. The tissue was assessed by follicle counts (including atretic), for apoptosis evaluation by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay and for immunohistochemical evaluation of neovascularization by platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) expression, and for identification of proliferating granulosa cells by Ki67 expression. RESULTS: Human ovarian tissue transplanted with CollPlant or SIS fused with the surrounding tissue and promoted neovascularization. In general, implantation with CollPlant even without additives promoted better results than with SIS: significantly higher number of recovered follicles, significantly fewer atretic follicles, and significantly more granulosa cell proliferation. Moreover, results with CollPlant alone seemed to be at least as good as those after host and graft treatments. CONCLUSIONS: CollPlant is a biomaterial without any potential risks, and grafting ovarian tissue with CollPlant is easy and the procedure may be easily modified, with limited or no foreseeable risks, for auto-transplantation in cancer survivors. Further studies are needed using other novel methods capable of enhancing neovascularization and reducing apoptosis and follicle atresia.

New reference values for biometrical measurements and sonographic estimated fetal weight in twin gestations and comparison to previous normograms.

Objective To construct new reference values for biometrical measurements and sonographic estimated fetal weight (sEFW) in twin gestations and compare them to previously published normograms. Methods A retrospective analysis of sEFW evaluations of twin gestations was performed between 2011 and 2016 in a single university-affiliated medical center. sEFW was calculated using the Hadlock 1985 formula. To avoid selection bias, one evaluation per pregnancy was randomly selected. Following mathematical transformation to obtain normality of values, normograms were constructed using a best-fit regression model for estimation of mean and standard deviation at each gestational age (GA). Normograms were validated by applying all observations to ensure equal distribution at parallel percentiles. Our normograms were then compared to previously published sEFW normograms for twin gestations. Results A total of 864 sEFW evaluations were performed on 195 twin pregnancies at 22-39 gestational weeks. Of them, 390 entered the primary analysis. The rest were left for validation. Seventy percent of the cohort were dichorionic-diamniotic twins (136/195), 16% (32/195) were monochorionic-diamniotic twins and three (1.5%) were monochorionic-monoamniotic twins. Twenty-four fetuses lacked data on chorionicity. The rest were monochorionic twins or were of unknown chorionicity. Values corresponding to the 2.5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 97.5th percentiles for sEFW are presented for every GA. Validation by applying all 864 evaluations on constructed normograms was achieved. Comparison to previously published twins' sEFW normograms demonstrated wide variation between curves. Conclusion New reference values for biometrical measurements and sEFW in twin gestations are presented for clinical and research use. Comparison to other curves demonstrates the wide variability and need for further investigation on twin's normal growth.

Sonographic prediction of macrosomia in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes: finding the best formula.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the best performing formula for macrosomia prediction in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 1060 sonographic fetal biometrical measurements performed within 7 days of delivery in term pregnancies (37-42 gestational weeks) complicated by diabetes. Sonographic prediction of macrosomia (≥ 4000, ≥ 4250, and ≥ 4500 g) was evaluated utilizing ten previously published formulas by: (1) calculating for each macrosomia threshold the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and ± likelihood ratio for macrosomia prediction; (2) comparing the systematic and random error and the proportion of estimates < 10% of birth weights between macrosomic and non-macrosomic neonates. Best performing formula was determined based on Euclidean distance. RESULTS: 97 (9.2%) macrosomic neonates (> 4000 g) were included. Median birth weight was 3380 (1866-3998) g for non-macrosomic and 4198 (4000-5180) g for macrosomic neonates. Higher macrosomia cutoff was associated with higher specificity and lower sensitivity. We found a considerable variation between formulas in different accuracy parameters. Hadlock's formula (1985), based on abdominal circumference, femur length, head circumference and biparietal diameter, had the shortest Euclidean distance, reflecting the highest accuracy. CONCLUSION: Prediction of macrosomia among women with diabetes differs significantly between formulas. In our cohort, the best performing formula for macrosomia prediction was Hadlock's formula (1985).

[VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM DURING PREGNANCY AND THE PUERPERIUM - WHO? WHEN? AND HOW TO TREAT?]

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially life-threatening medical condition during pregnancy and the puerperium. During pregnancy, the risk of VTE is increased four to tenfold compared to non-pregnant women of comparable age. The risk is even higher in the puerperium. Physician awareness followed by adequate treatment may reduce the number of events. The most important risk factors are previous VTE or thrombophilia, although other acquired risk factors may result in similar impacts. Treatment is based on personalized risk assessment at the first patient visit during pregnancy, followed by repeated assessment of complications or at admission and final assessment at delivery. Hydration and mobilization are advised for all women. Pharmacological prevention by low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is advised based on risk stratification. International guidelines differ by indications and range of management options. The purpose of this review is to summarize our knowledge on risk factors for VTE during pregnancy and puerperium and guide management options.

The impact of epidural analgesia on the duration of the second stage of labor.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the length of second stage of labor in a contemporary cohort. We calculated the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles for second-stage length stratified by parity and epidural analgesia use and evaluated the effect of labor induction and oxytocin augmentation in our cohort. METHODS: We did a retrospective analysis of all live, singleton, term vaginal deliveries in one tertiary hospital. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate second-stage duration confounders. First, we calculated the second-stage length and presented it as 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles stratified by epidural analgesia and parity. Second, we evaluated the effect of labor induction and oxytocin augmentation on second-stage length, and third, we determined the demographic and obstetrical confounders that affected second-stage length. RESULTS: Overall, 15 500 deliveries were included. Nulliparity, oxytocin augmentation, epidural use, birthweight, labor induction, lower body mass index, and higher maternal age were found to be significantly associated with prolongation of the second stage. Epidural use was associated with an additional 82 minutes for the 95th percentile for both nulliparas and multiparas and tripled the rate of prolonged second stage for the entire cohort. Labor induction was associated with clinically significant prolongation of the second stage in nulliparas with epidural analgesia only. Oxytocin was associated with longer duration of the second stage for nulliparas, regardless of epidural use. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest a significant prolongation of the second stage in women receiving epidural analgesia. Recommendations for management of second stage should be reconsidered by contemporary data.

Exposure of the developing heart to diabetic environment and early cardiac assessment: A review.

Hyperglycemia during organogenesis is associated with an increased risk of congenital cardiac defects (CHDs). The pathophysiology leading to CHDs is not completely uncovered. However, elevated oxidative stress is considered to be the primary trigger that causes CHDs in fetuses of diabetic mothers. Maternal diabetes has been found to increase the risk for all types of CHDs. Diabetes may also impact the fetal cardiac performance at all gestational ages. Early detection of CHDs has certain advantages, such as making early decision about termination of pregnancy, enabling early genetic testing, and early reassurance if scan is normal. Combined transabdominal and transvaginal approach at 13-14 weeks of gestation is a reasonable strategy to assess fetal heart in diabetic women. Diagnostic accuracy of early fetal echocardiography has reached to above a reasonable cutoff when it is done in the late first trimester or early second trimester in the hands of expert sonographers. However, the literature is less certain to provide a firm conclusion about functional heart assessment in fetuses of diabetic mothers.

Cytogenetic analysis in fetuses with late onset abnormal sonographic findings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of chromosomal cytogenetic abnormalities in fetuses with late onset abnormal sonographic findings. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort of women who underwent amniocentesis at or beyond 23 weeks of gestation, for fetal karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis, indicated due to late onset abnormal sonographic findings. RESULTS: All 103 fetuses had a normal karyotype. Ninety-five women also had chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) performed. The detection rate of abnormal CMA (5/95, 5.3%) was similar to that of women who underwent amniocentesis due to abnormal early onset ultrasound findings detected at routine prenatal screening tests during the first or early second trimester (7.3%, P=0.46) and significantly higher than that for women who underwent amniocentesis and CMA upon request, without a medical indication for CMA (0.99%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Late onset sonographic findings are an indication for amniocentesis, and if performed, CMA should be applied to evaluate fetuses with late onset abnormal sonographic findings.

Complicated primary cesarean delivery increases the risk for uterine rupture at subsequent trial of labor after cesarean.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether cesarean delivery (CD) indication, labor status, and other primary CD characteristics affect the risk for uterine rupture in subsequent deliveries. METHODS: A case-control study of women attempting trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) in a single, tertiary, university-affiliated medical center (2007-2016). Deliveries complicated by uterine rupture were matched to successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) deliveries in a 1:3 ratio. Indication, labor status and post-partum complications (postpartum hemorrhage and postpartum infection) at primary CD were compared between study and control group. RESULTS: During study period, there were 75,682 deliveries, of them, 3937 (5.2%) were TOLAC. Study group included 53 cases of uterine rupture at TOLAC and 159 women with successful VBAC. Women in study group had significantly lower rates of previous VBAC (15.1 vs. 28.9%, p = 0.047). Rate of postpartum complications at primary CD was significantly higher in women with TOLAC complicated by uterine rupture (7.5 vs. 1.9%, respectively, p = 0.042). Utilizing the multivariate logistic regression analysis, postpartum complications remained an independent risk factor for uterine rupture in the following TOLAC (aOR 4.07, 95% CI 1.14-14.58, p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Postpartum hemorrhage and infection, in primary CD, seem to be associated with increased risk for uterine rupture during subsequent TOLAC.

Symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus disease following non-primary maternal infection: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Scarce data exist about screening, diagnosis and prognosis of non-primary Cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy. We aimed to examine antenatal diagnosis of maternal non-primary CMV infection and to identify risk factors for congenial CMV disease. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 107 neonates with congenital symptomatic CMV infection, following either primary (n = 95) or non-primary (n = 12) maternal CMV infection. We compared the groups for the manifestations and severity of congenial CMV disease, as well as for possible factors associated with the risk of developing CMV related infant morbidity. RESULTS: Disease severity is not similar in affected newborns, with a higher incidence of abnormal brain sonographic findings, following primary versus non-primary maternal CMV infection (76.8% vs. 8.3%, p < .001). Symptomatic congenital CMV disease following a non-primary infection is more frequent if gestational hypertensive disorders and/or gestational diabetes mellitus have ensued during pregnancy (33.3% vs. 9.9%, p <0.038), as well as if any medications were taken throughout gestation (50% vs. 16.8%, p <0.016). CMV-IgM demonstrates a low detection rate for non-primary maternal infection during pregnancy compared to primary infection (25% vs. 75.8%, p = 0.0008). CONCLUSION: Non-primary maternal CMV infection has an impact on the neonate. Although not readily diagnosed during pregnancy, knowledge of risk factors may aid in raising clinical suspicion.

Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome and long term arterial thrombosis risk.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is classified as the association of a thrombotic event and/or obstetric morbidity in patients persistently positive for antiphospholipid antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant. To evaluate the incidence of subsequent thrombosis among women diagnosed with purely obstetric APS. We retrospectively reviewed and collected demographic and clinical data from the computerized charts of all patients with obstetric APS, from 1992 to 2017. Eligibility criteria included all women diagnosed with APS, according to the 2006 revised criteria, for whom the clinical manifestations were purely obstetric. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of subsequent thromboembolic events, following diagnosis of obstetric APS. The study included 115 women diagnosed with obstetric APS. During the study's follow up period, 12 (10.4%) women developed thrombosis. Of the 12 women who developed thrombosis, 9 (75%) of the thrombotic events were arterial. The site of arterial thrombosis was cerebral in all cases. Venous thrombosis occurred in 3 (25%) women, including one in each of the following sites-pulmonary embolism, ovarian vein thrombosis and proximal leg deep vein thrombosis. Our data suggests that women with obstetric APS are at risk for subsequent long-term thrombosis, especially arterial cerebral events. We did not identify any clinical or laboratory unique features among women with obstetric APS who will eventually develop thrombosis.