Blood pressure cutoffs at 11-13 weeks of gestation and risk of preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: A parallel has been drawn between first-trimester placental vascular maturation and maternal cardiovascular adaptations, including blood pressure. Although 140/90 mm Hg is well-accepted as the threshold for chronic hypertension in the general obstetric population in early pregnancy, a different threshold could apply to stratify the risk of adverse outcomes, such as preeclampsia. This could have implications for interventions, such as the threshold for initiation of antihypertensive therapy and the target blood pressure level. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the relationship between various blood pressure cutoffs at 11-13 weeks of gestation and the development of preeclampsia, overall and according to key maternal characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: This secondary analysis was of data from a prospective nonintervention cohort study of singleton pregnancies delivering at ≥24 weeks, without major anomalies, at 2 United Kingdom maternity hospitals, 2006-2020. Blood pressure at 11-13 weeks of gestation was classified according to American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association categories (mm Hg) as (1) normal blood pressure (systolic <120 and diastolic <80), (2) elevated blood pressure (systolic ≥120 and diastolic <80), stage 1 hypertension (systolic ≥130 or diastolic 80-89), and stage 2 hypertension (systolic ≥140 or diastolic ≥90). For blood pressure category thresholds and the outcome of preeclampsia, the following were calculated overall and across maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, method of conception, and previous pregnancy history: detection rate, screen-positive rate, and positive and negative likelihood ratios, with 95% confidence intervals. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were 137,458 pregnancies screened at 11-13 weeks of gestation. The population was ethnically diverse, with 15.9% of Black ethnicity, 6.7% of South or East Asian ethnicity, and 2.7% of mixed ethnicity, with the remainder of White ethnicity. Compared with normal blood pressure, stage 2 hypertension was associated with both preterm preeclampsia (0.3% to 4.9%) and term preeclampsia (1.0% to 8.3%). A blood pressure threshold of 140/90 mm Hg was good at identifying women at increased risk of preeclampsia overall (positive likelihood ratio, 5.61 [95% confidence interval, 5.14-6.11]) and across maternal characteristics, compared with elevated blood pressure (positive likelihood ratio, 1.70 [95% confidence interval, 1.63-1.77]) and stage 1 hypertension (positive likelihood ratio, 2.68 [95% confidence interval, 2.58-2.77]). There were 2 exceptions: a blood pressure threshold of 130/80 mm Hg was better for the 2.1% of women with body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 (positive likelihood ratio, 5.13 [95% confidence interval, 3.22-8.16]), and a threshold of 135/85 mm Hg better for the 50.4% of parous women without a history of preeclampsia (positive likelihood ratio, 5.24, [95% confidence interval, 4.77-5.77]). There was no blood pressure threshold below which reassurance could be provided against the development of preeclampsia (all-negative likelihood ratios ≥0.20). CONCLUSION: The traditional blood pressure threshold of 140/90 mm Hg performs well to identify women at increased risk of preeclampsia. Women who are underweight or parous with no prior history of preeclampsia may be better identified by lower thresholds; however, a randomized trial would be necessary to determine any benefits of such an approach if antihypertensive therapy were also administered at this threshold. No blood pressure threshold is reassured against the development of preeclampsia, regardless of maternal characteristics.

Placental growth factor testing at 19-23 weeks of gestation as a guide to subsequent care in pregnancy: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether serum placental growth factor (PlGF) at 19-23 weeks of gestation can improve the identification of risk for adverse outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Two English maternity units. POPULATION: Unselected singleton pregnancies attending routine ultrasound at 19-23 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Outcomes ascertained by health record review. Diagnostic test properties evaluated clinical risk factors for pre-eclampsia (according to National Institute of Care Excellence) or fetal growth restriction (according to Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists), low PlGF at 19-23 weeks of gestation (<5th percentile) or both. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, stillbirth, birthweight below third percentile or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission for ≥48 h. RESULTS: In 30 013 pregnancies, risk factors were present in 9941 (33.1%), low PlGF was present in 1501 (5.0%) and both ('two-stage' screening) were present in 547 (1.8%) pregnancies. Risk factors detected 41.7%-54.7% of adverse outcomes, and could not meaningfully revise the risk (all positive likelihood ratios, +LR, <5.0; all negative likelihood ratios, -LR, ≥0.2). Low PlGF detected 8.5%-17.4% of adverse outcomes, but meaningfully increased risks (other than NICU admission) associated with delivery <37 weeks of gestation (+LR = 5.03-15.55); all -LRs were ≥0.2. 'Two-stage' screening detected 4.2%-8.9% of adverse outcomes, with meaningful +LRs (6.28-18.61) at <37 weeks of gestation, except for NICU admission of ≥48 h, which had an +LR of 7.56 at <34 weeks of gestation; all -LRs were ≥0.2. No screening strategy meaningfully increased or decreased the detection of adverse outcome risk at term. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical risk factor screening has a high screen-positive rate and a poor detection of adverse outcomes. False positives cannot be reduced by PlGF testing at 19-23 weeks of gestation; therefore, this cannot be recommended as a useful strategy on its own.

Calcium supplementation for the prevention of pre-eclampsia: Challenging the evidence from meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the validity of the conclusion from Cochrane reviews and meta-analyses that treatment with calcium supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk for pre-eclampsia by 55%, which has been influential in international guidelines and future research. DESIGN: Sensitivity analysis of data from Cochrane reviews of trials evaluating high-dose calcium supplementation (of at least 1 g/day) for reduction of pre-eclampsia risk. SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis. POPULATION: The Cochrane reviews and meta-analyses included 13 trials enrolling a total of 15 730 women. Random-effects meta-analysis of these studies resulted in a mean risk ratio (RR, calcium/placebo) of 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.65; p < 0.0001). METHODS: We carried out a sensitivity analysis of evidence from the relevant Cochrane review, to examine the impact of study size. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: In the three largest studies, accounting for 13 815 (88%) of total recruitment, mean RR was 0.92 (95% CI 0.80-1.06) and there was no evidence of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 0). With inclusion of the smaller studies, mean RR decreased to 0.45 and I2 increased to 70%. CONCLUSIONS: In assessment of the effect of calcium supplementation on pre-eclampsia risk, the naive focus on the mean of the random-effects meta-analysis in the presence of substantial heterogeneity is highly misleading.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years in children who received sildenafil therapy in utero: The STRIDER randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Severe early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) causes stillbirth, neonatal death and neurodevelopmental impairment. Poor maternal spiral artery remodelling maintains vasoactive responsiveness but is susceptible to treatment with sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which may improve perinatal outcomes. DESIGN: Superiority, double-blind randomised controlled trial. SETTING: A total of 20 UK fetal medicine units. POPULATION: Pregnancies affected by FGR, defined as an abdominal circumference below the tenth centile with absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery between 22+0 and 29+6 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Treatment with sildenafil (25 mg three times/day) or placebo until delivery or 32 weeks of gestation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All infants alive at hospital discharge were assessed for cardiovascular function and cognitive, speech/language and neuromotor impairment at 2 years of age. The primary outcome was survival without cerebral palsy or neurosensory impairment, or a Bayley-III composite score of >85. RESULTS: In total, 135 women were randomised between November 2014 and July 2016 (70 to sildenafil and 65 to placebo). We previously published that there was no improvement in time to delivery or perinatal outcomes with sildenafil. In all, 75 babies (55.5%) were discharged alive, with 61 infants eligible for follow-up (32 sildenafil and 29 placebo). One infant died (placebo), three mothers declined and ten mothers were uncontactable. There was no difference in neurodevelopment or blood pressure following treatment with sildenafil. Infants who received sildenafil had a larger head circumference at 2 years of age (median difference 49.2 cm, IQR 46.4-50.3, vs 47.2 cm, 95% CI 44.7-48.9 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil therapy did not prolong pregnancy or improve perinatal outcomes and did not improve infant neurodevelopment in FGR survivors. Therefore, sildenafil should not be prescribed for this condition.

Impact of COVID-19 on gestational diabetes pregnancy outcomes in the UK: A multicentre retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of implementing emergency care pathway(s) for screening, diagnosing and managing women with gestational diabetes (GDM) during COVID-19. DESIGN: Retrospective multicentre cohort. SETTING: Nine National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trusts/Health boards in England and Scotland. POPULATION: 4915 women with GDM pre-pandemic (1 April 2018 to 31 March 2020), and 3467 women with GDM during the pandemic (1 May 2020 to 31 March 2021). METHODS: We examined clinical outcomes for women with GDM prior to and during the pandemic following changes in screening methods, diagnostic testing, glucose thresholds and introduction of virtual care for monitoring of antenatal glycaemia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intervention at birth, perinatal mortality, large-for-gestational-age infants and neonatal unit admission. RESULTS: The new diagnostic criteria more often identified GDM women who were multiparous, had higher body mass index (BMI) and greater deprivation, and less frequently had previous GDM (all p < 0.05). During COVID, these women had no differences in the key outcome measures. Of the women, 3% were identified with pre-existing diabetes at antenatal booking. Where OGTT continued during COVID, but virtual care was introduced, outcomes were also similar pre- and during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Using HbA1c and fasting glucose identified a higher risk GDM population during the pandemic but this had minimal impact on pregnancy outcomes. The high prevalence of undiagnosed pre-existing diabetes suggests that women with GDM risk factors should be offered HbA1c screening in early pregnancy.

Risk factors for pre-eclampsia in clinical practice guidelines: Comparison with the evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pre-eclampsia risk factors identified by clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with risk factors from hierarchical evidence review, to guide pre-eclampsia prevention. DESIGN: Our search strategy provided hierarchical evidence of relationships between risk factors and pre-eclampsia using Medline (Ovid), searched from January 2010 to January 2021. SETTING: Published studies and CPGs. POPULATION: Pregnant women. METHODS: We evaluated the strength of association and quality of evidence (GRADE). CPGs (n = 15) were taken from a previous systematic review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: Of 78 pre-eclampsia risk factors, 13 (16.5%) arise only during pregnancy. Strength of association was usually 'probable' (n = 40, 51.3%) and the quality of evidence was low (n = 35, 44.9%). The 'major' and 'moderate' risk factors proposed by 8/15 CPGs were not well aligned with the evidence; of the ten 'major' risk factors (alone warranting aspirin prophylaxis), associations with pre-eclampsia were definite (n = 4), probable (n = 5) or possible (n = 1), based on moderate (n = 4), low (n = 5) or very low (n = 1) quality evidence. Obesity ('moderate' risk factor) was definitely associated with pre-eclampsia (high-quality evidence). The other ten 'moderate' risk factors had probable (n = 8), possible (n = 1) or no (n = 1) association with pre-eclampsia, based on evidence of moderate (n = 1), low (n = 5) or very low (n = 4) quality. Three risk factors not identified by the CPGs had probable associations (high quality): being overweight; 'prehypertension' at booking; and blood pressure of 130-139/80-89 mmHg in early pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-eclampsia risk factors in CPGs are poorly aligned with evidence, particularly for the strongest risk factor of obesity. There is a lack of distinction between risk factors identifiable in early pregnancy and those arising later. A refresh of the strategies advocated by CPGs is needed.

Pregnancy-related mortality up to 1 year postpartum in sub-Saharan Africa: an analysis of verbal autopsy data from six countries.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the causes of death for women who died during pregnancy and within the first 42 days postpartum with those of women who died between >42 days and within 1 year postpartum. DESIGN: Open population cohort (Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems). SETTING: Ten Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS) in The Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Africa. POPULATION: 2114 deaths which occurred within 1 year of the end of pregnancy where a verbal autopsy interview was conducted from 2000 to 2019. METHODS: InterVA5 and InSilicoVA verbal autopsy algorithms were used to attribute the most likely underlying cause of death, which were grouped according to adapted International Classification of Diseases-Maternal Mortality categories. Multinomial regression was used to compare differences in causes of deaths within 42 days versus 43-365 days postpartum adjusting for HDSS and time period (2000-2009 and 2010-2019). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cause of death and the verbal autopsy Circumstances of Mortality Categories (COMCATs). RESULTS: Of 2114 deaths, 1212 deaths occurred within 42 days postpartum and 902 between 43 and 365 days postpartum. Compared with deaths within 42 days, deaths from HIV and TB, other infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases constituted a significantly larger proportion of late pregnancy-related deaths beyond 42 days postpartum, and health system failures were important in the circumstances of those deaths. The contribution of HIV and TB to deaths beyond 42 days postpartum was greatest in Southern Africa. The causes of pregnancy-related mortality within and beyond 42 days postpartum did not change significantly between 2000-2009 and 2010-2019. CONCLUSIONS: Cause of death data from the extended postpartum period are critical to inform prevention. The dominance of HIV and TB, other infectious and non-communicable diseases to (late) pregnancy-related mortality highlights the need for better integration of non-obstetric care with ante-, intra- and postpartum care in high-burden settings.

Impacts of heat exposure in utero on long-term health and social outcomes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Climate change, particularly global warming, is amongst the greatest threats to human health. While short-term effects of heat exposure in pregnancy, such as preterm birth, are well documented, long-term effects have received less attention. This review aims to systematically assess evidence on the long-term impacts on the foetus of heat exposure in utero. METHODS: A search was conducted in August 2019 and updated in April 2023 in MEDLINE(PubMed). We included studies on the relationship of environmental heat exposure during pregnancy and any long-term outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using tools developed by the Joanna-Briggs Institute, and the evidence was appraised using the GRADE approach. Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) guidelines were used. RESULTS: Eighteen thousand six hundred twenty one records were screened, with 29 studies included across six outcome groups. Studies were mostly conducted in high-income countries (n = 16/25), in cooler climates. All studies were observational, with 17 cohort, 5 case-control and 8 cross-sectional studies. The timeline of the data is from 1913 to 2019, and individuals ranged in age from neonates to adults, and the elderly. Increasing heat exposure during pregnancy was associated with decreased earnings and lower educational attainment (n = 4/6), as well as worsened cardiovascular (n = 3/6), respiratory (n = 3/3), psychiatric (n = 7/12) and anthropometric (n = 2/2) outcomes, possibly culminating in increased overall mortality (n = 2/3). The effect on female infants was greater than on males in 8 of 9 studies differentiating by sex. The quality of evidence was low in respiratory and longevity outcome groups to very low in all others. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing heat exposure was associated with a multitude of detrimental outcomes across diverse body systems. The biological pathways involved are yet to be elucidated, but could include epigenetic and developmental perturbations, through interactions with the placenta and inflammation. This highlights the need for further research into the long-term effects of heat exposure, biological pathways, and possible adaptation strategies in studies, particularly in neglected regions. Heat exposure in-utero has the potential to compound existing health and social inequalities. Poor study design of the included studies constrains the conclusions of this review, with heterogenous exposure measures and outcomes rendering comparisons across contexts/studies difficult. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD 42019140136.

Preliminary findings on the experiences of care for women who suffered early pregnancy losses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Women who suffer an early pregnancy loss require specific clinical care, aftercare, and ongoing support. In the UK, the clinical management of early pregnancy complications, including loss is provided mainly through specialist Early Pregnancy Assessment Units. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the way in which maternity and gynaecological care was delivered, as health systems moved to rapidly reconfigure and re-organise services, aiming to reduce the risk and spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. PUDDLES is an international collaboration investigating the pandemic's impact on care for people who suffered a perinatal bereavement. Presented here are initial qualitative findings undertaken with UK-based women who suffered early pregnancy losses during the pandemic, about how they navigated the healthcare system and its restrictions, and how they were supported. METHODS: In-keeping with a qualitative research design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with an opportunity sample of women (N = 32) who suffered any early pregnancy loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed using a template analysis to understand women's access to services, care, and networks of support, during the pandemic following their pregnancy loss. The thematic template was based on findings from parents who had suffered a late-miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death in the UK, during the pandemic. RESULTS: All women had experienced reconfigured maternity and early pregnancy services. Data supported themes of: 1) COVID-19 Restrictions as Impractical & Impersonal; 2) Alone, with Only Staff to Support Them; 3) Reduction in Service Provision Leading to Perceived Devaluation in Care; and 4) Seeking Their Own Support. Results suggest access to early pregnancy loss services was reduced and pandemic-related restrictions were often impractical (i.e., restrictions added to burden of accessing or receiving care). Women often reported being isolated and, concerningly, aspects of early pregnancy loss services were reported as sub-optimal. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide important insight for the recovery and rebuilding of health services in the post-pandemic period and help us prepare for providing a higher standard of care in the future and through any other health system shocks. Conclusions made can inform future policy and planning to ensure best possible support for women who experience early pregnancy loss.

The implications of the Fetal Medicine Foundation 35- to 36-week preeclampsia prediction competing-risk model on timing of birth.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is associated with increased risks of life-threatening, -altering, and -ending complications. Assessment of risk for preeclampsia at 35 to 36 weeks' gestation by the Fetal Medicine Foundation 36-week competing-risk model identifies approximately 75% of women who will develop term preeclampsia, at a 10% screen-positive rate. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether the Fetal Medicine Foundation 36-week model can provide personalized guidance to women about the probable timing of their delivery, whether or not they develop pregnancy hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective nonintervention screening study at 2 maternity hospitals in England, women who did not have preeclampsia (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists definition) and were attending a routine hospital visit at 35 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks' gestation underwent assessment of risk for preeclampsia, including maternal demographic characteristics, medical history, mean arterial pressure, and serum placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. Fetal Medicine Foundation 36-week model risk categories for subsequent preeclampsia were defined as: A, ≥0.500; B, 0.20 to 0.499; C, 0.05 to 0.199; D, 0.020 to 0.049; and E, <0.020. Obstetrical records were examined for all women to identify their gestational age at delivery, and whether they experienced a spontaneous onset of labor (irrespective of mode of delivery) or had a medically indicated birth (either induction of labor or unlabored cesarean delivery). The cumulative incidence of delivery and risk ratios, for all deliveries and for spontaneous deliveries, was assessed. RESULTS: Among 29,035 women with singleton pregnancies, 1.0%, 2.9%, 3.3%, 5.0%, 9.9%, and 77.9% were in A, B, C, D, and E risk strata, respectively. In the A (vs E) stratum, 71.95% (vs 33.52%) of births were medically indicated. Compared with women in stratum E, women in higher risk strata were more likely to deliver, and to deliver following spontaneous labor, before their due date. For example, of the women in stratum A (vs E), 14.2% (vs 1.1%; risk ratio, 12.5 [95% confidence interval, 9.45-15.35]), 48.5% (vs 5.1%; risk ratio, 8.47 [7.48-9.35]), 69.6% (vs 15.5%; risk ratio, 3.86 [3.59-4.08]), and 90.1% (vs 44.8%; risk ratio, 6.72 [4.53-9.95]) gave birth before 37 0/7, 38 0/7, 39 0/7, and 40 0/7 weeks, respectively. For women in stratum A (vs E), when censored for medically indicated births, spontaneous labor occurred more commonly before 37 0/7 (risk ratio, 4.31 [1.99-6.57]), 38 0/7 (risk ratio, 3.71 [2.48-4.88]), 39 0/7 (risk ratio, 2.87 [2.22-3.46]), and 40 0/7 (risk ratio, 1.42 [1.14-1.77]) weeks. CONCLUSION: Women in higher-risk strata gave birth earlier, and more frequently following medically indicated delivery, compared with those in lower-risk strata. Importantly, the proportion of women who gave birth following spontaneous onset of labor before their due date was also greater in higher-risk than in lower-risk women. The Fetal Medicine Foundation 36-week competing-risk model incorporates biomarkers of placental aging, including angiogenic imbalance; these results imply that a fetoplacental response to placental aging may be an important trigger for the onset of labor at term.

The 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association blood pressure categories in the second half of pregnancy-a systematic review of their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: A relationship between the 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association blood pressure thresholds and adverse pregnancy outcomes has been reported, but few studies have explored the diagnostic test properties of these cutoffs when used within pregnancy. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases were searched (2017-2021) for measurements of blood pressure in pregnancy at >20 weeks, classified according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association criteria, and their relationship with pregnancy outcomes. Blood pressure was categorized as "normal" (systolic blood pressure of <120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of <80 mm Hg), "elevated blood pressure" (systolic blood pressure of 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of <80 mm Hg), "stage 1 hypertension" (systolic blood pressure of 130-139 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mm Hg), and "stage 2 hypertension" (systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg). STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies recording blood pressure at or above 20 weeks gestation were included. METHODS: Meta-analyses were used to investigate the strength of the association between blood pressure cutoffs and adverse outcomes, and the diagnostic test properties were calculated accounting for gestation. RESULTS: There were 12 included studies. The American College of Cardiology or American Heart Association blood pressure categories were determined from peak blood pressures at any point from 20 weeks of gestation and at specific gestational ages (20-27, 28-32, or 33-36 weeks of gestation), as available. A higher (vs normal) blood pressure category was consistently associated with adverse outcomes. The strength of association between blood pressure categories and adverse outcomes was the greatest with "stage 2 hypertension" (blood pressure of ≥140/90 mm Hg). The results were similar when peak blood pressure was reported either at any time from 20 weeks of gestation or within gestational age groups (as above). No blood pressure category was useful as a diagnostic "rule-out test" for adverse outcomes, as all negative likelihood ratios were ≥0.2. Only "stage 2 hypertension" was useful as a "rule in-test," with positive likelihood ratios of ≥5.0, for maximum blood pressure at >20 weeks of gestation for preeclampsia and blood pressure within any gestational age groups for preeclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, maternal death, and stillbirth. CONCLUSION: From 20 weeks of gestation, blood pressure thresholds of 140 mm Hg (systolic) and 90 mm Hg (diastolic) were useful in identifying women at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, irrespective of the specific gestational age at blood pressure measurement. Lowering the blood pressure threshold for abnormal blood pressure at >20 weeks of gestation would not assist clinicians in identifying women at heightened maternal or perinatal risk. No American College of Cardiology or American Heart Association blood pressure threshold can provide reassurance that women are unlikely to develop adverse outcomes.

The additive role of angiogenic markers for women with confirmed preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension complicates 2% to 8% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality globally. Given the prognostic role that angiogenic markers play in evaluation of patients with "suspected preeclampsia," the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy incorporated angiogenic imbalance into the 2021 definition of preeclampsia. As women with "suspected preeclampsia" are a heterogeneous group, with some already meeting the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia, we evaluated whether the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio adds prognostic value among these women. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the additive value of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio when the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia have already been met. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of patients presenting to obstetrical triage with suspected preeclampsia at ≥20+0 weeks' gestation from July 2009 to June 2012 in Boston, United States. Clinicians were masked to soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio results. Clinical records were reviewed for maternal and neonatal care and outcomes. The value of the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio (≤38, >38, or >85) was assessed for identifying women at low or high risk of evolving into preeclampsia with severe features within 2 weeks of the triage visit, with preeclampsia with severe features being defined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2013 definition). Based on information in obstetrical triage, preeclampsia among triage patients was defined either by: (1) The International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy "restrictive" criteria (ie, new-onset hypertension and proteinuria at ≥20 weeks), or (2) The International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy "broad" maternal criteria (ie, new-onset hypertension with proteinuria or one/more relevant maternal end-organ complications). RESULTS: Of 1043 patients included, 459 presented at 20+0 to 34+6 weeks and 584 at ≥35+0 weeks. In triage, 25.8% of women with "suspected preeclampsia" already met the preeclampsia criteria based on the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy broad criteria and 22.0% based on the restrictive criteria. In separate multivariable analyses adjusted for gestational age, a soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio >38 was independently associated with preeclampsia with severe features within 2 weeks even after adjusting for preeclampsia diagnosis in obstetrical triage, whether that preeclampsia were defined restrictively (odds ratio, 15.62; 95% confidence interval, 8.91-27.40) or broadly (odds ratio, 14.56; 95% confidence interval, 8.30-25.56). A soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio ≤38 was good at ruling out development of preeclampsia with severe features within 2 weeks among all patients and among those meeting the restrictive or broad definitions of preeclampsia (negative likelihood ratios, ≤0.16), driven by performance of the ratio before 35 weeks (ie, negative likelihood ratio ≤0.12). A soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio >85 was good at ruling-in preeclampsia with severe features within 2 weeks among women with suspected preeclampsia, either before (positive likelihood ratio, 8.20) or after 35 weeks (positive likelihood ratio, 6.00) and fair at ruling-in preeclampsia with severe features within 2 weeks when preeclampsia had already been confirmed in patients at <35 weeks (restrictively positive likelihood ratio, 3.48, or broadly positive likelihood ratio, 3.40). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the prognostic value of the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor ratio among patients with confirmed preeclampsia, particularly to identify those both likely and unlikely to progress toward the development of severe features in the next 2 weeks and those who may be most appropriate for expectant and potentially outpatient care. Our findings support the incorporation of angiogenic imbalance into the definition of preeclampsia, particularly at 20-34+0 weeks.

American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association blood pressure categories-a systematic review of the relationship with adverse pregnancy outcomes in the first half of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: A relationship between the 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association blood pressure thresholds and adverse pregnancy outcomes has been reported, but few studies have explored the diagnostic test properties of these cutoffs. DATA SOURCES: We systematically searched electronic databases (from 2017 to 2021) for reports of blood pressure measurements in pregnancy, classified according to 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association criteria, and their relationship with pregnancy outcomes. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies recording blood pressure at <20 weeks gestation were included. METHODS: Meta-analyses were used to investigate the strength of the association between blood pressure cutoffs and adverse outcomes, and the diagnostic test properties were calculated. RESULTS: Of 23 studies included, there was a stepwise relationship between the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association blood pressure category (when compared with normal blood pressure of <120/80 mmHg) and the strength of the association with preeclampsia. The category of elevated blood pressure had a risk ratio of 2.0 (95% prediction interval, 0.8-4.8), the stage 1 hypertension category had a risk ratio of 3.0 (95% prediction interval, 1.1-8.5), and the stage 2 hypertension category had a risk ratio of 7.9 (95% prediction interval, 1.8-35.1). Between-study variability was related to the magnitude of the association with stronger relationships in larger studies at low risk of bias and with unselected populations with multiple routine blood pressure measurements. None of the systolic blood pressure measurements of <120 mmHg, <130/80 mmHg, or <140/90 mmHg were useful to rule out the development of preeclampsia (all negative likelihood ratios >0.2). Only a blood pressure measurement of ≥140/90 mmHg was a good predictor for the development of preeclampsia (positive likelihood ratio, 5.95). The findings were similar for other outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although a blood pressure of 120 to 140 over 80 to 90 mmHg at <20 weeks gestation is associated with a heightened risk for preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes and may assist in risk prediction in multivariable modelling, lowering the diagnostic threshold for chronic hypertension would not assist clinicians in identifying women at heightened risk.

An evidence review and nutritional conceptual framework for pre-eclampsia prevention.

Pre-eclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy, and maternal nutritional factors may play protective roles or exacerbate risk. The tendency to focus on single nutrients as a risk factor obscures the complexity of possible interactions, which may be important given the complex nature of pre-eclampsia. An evidence review was conducted to compile definite, probable, possible and indirect nutritional determinants of pre-eclampsia to map a nutritional conceptual framework for pre-eclampsia prevention. Determinants of pre-eclampsia were first compiled through an initial consultation with experts. Second, an expanded literature review was conducted to confirm associations, elicit additional indicators and evaluate evidence. The strength of association was evaluated as definite relative risk (RR) < 0·40 or ≥3·00, probable RR 0·40-0·69 or 1·50-2·99, possible RR 0·70-0·89 or 1·10-1·49 or not discernible RR 0·90-1·09. The quality of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Twenty-five nutritional factors were reported in two umbrella reviews and twenty-two meta-analyses. Of these, fourteen were significantly associated with pre-eclampsia incidence. Higher serum Fe emerged as a definite nutritional risk factors for pre-eclampsia incidence across populations, while low serum Zn was a risk factor in Asia and Africa. Maternal vitamin D deficiency was a probable risk factor and Ca and/or vitamin D supplementation were probable protective nutritional factors. Healthy maternal dietary patterns were possibly associated with lower risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Potential indirect pathways of maternal nutritional factors and pre-eclampsia may exist through obesity, maternal anaemia and gestational diabetes mellitus. Research gaps remain on the influence of household capacities and socio-cultural, economic and political contexts, as well as interactions with medical conditions.

Preterm and term pre-eclampsia: Relative burdens of maternal and perinatal complications.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative burdens of maternal and perinatal complications for preterm and term pre-eclampsia. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Two English maternity units. POPULATION: Unselected women with singleton pregnancies who developed pre-eclampsia (International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy definition). METHODS: Outcomes were ascertained by health record review and compared between pregnancies with preterm (versus term) pre-eclampsia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Severe maternal hypertension, maternal mortality or major maternal morbidity, perinatal mortality or major neonatal morbidity, neonatal unit (NNU) admission ≥48 hours, and birthweight <3rd percentile. RESULTS: Among 40 241 singleton pregnancies, 298 (0.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.83) and 1194 (3.0%, 95% CI 2.8-3.1) developed preterm and term pre-eclampsia, respectively. Women with preterm (versus term) pre-eclampsia more commonly experienced adverse maternal or perinatal events: severe hypertension 18.5% (95% CI 14.5-23.3) versus 13.6% (95% CI 11.7-15.6); maternal mortality/major morbidity 7.4% (95% CI 4.9-10.9) versus 2.2% (95% CI 1.5-3.2); perinatal mortality/major neonatal morbidity 29.5% (95% CI 24.6-34.9) versus 2.2% (95% CI 1.5-3.2); and birthweight <3rd percentile 54.4% (95% CI 48.7-59.9) versus 14.2% (95% CI 12.4-16.3). However, in absolute terms, most maternal complications occurred in women with term pre-eclampsia, as did a large proportion of perinatal complications: severe hypertension 74.7% (95% CI 68.5-80.0); maternal mortality/major morbidity 54.2% (95% CI 40.3-67.4); perinatal mortality/major neonatal morbidity 22.8% (95% CI 16.1-31.3); NNU admission ≥48 hours 38.1% (95% CI 32.4-44.1); and birthweight <3rd percentile 51.2% (95% CI 45.8-56.5). CONCLUSIONS: Although adverse event risks are greater with preterm (versus term) pre-eclampsia, term disease is associated with at least equivalent total numbers of maternal, and a significant proportion of perinatal, adverse events. Increased efforts should be made to decrease the incidence of term pre-eclampsia.

Effect of race on the measurement of angiogenic factors for prediction and diagnosis of pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of self-declared race on serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and the impact on pre-eclampsia (PE) prediction. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Two UK maternity hospitals. POPULATION: 29 035 women with singleton pregnancies attending a routine 35+0 to 36+6 weeks' gestation hospital visit, including 654 (2.3%) who subsequently developed PE. METHODS: The predictive performance of PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF for PE in minority racial groups (versus white) was examined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Delivery with PE. RESULTS: Compared with white women, mean PlGF was higher and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio lower in black, South Asian, East Asian and mixed race women. In white women at a PlGF concentration cut-off corresponding to a screen-positive rate (SPR) of 10%, detection rates (DRs) were 49.1% for PE at any time and 72.3% for PE within 2 weeks after screening. In black women, at the same PlGF concentration cut-off for white women, the SPR was 5.5%, and DRs 33.6% and 55.0%, respectively; the number of PE cases was too small to evaluate screening performance in other racial groups. Using a fixed cut-off in sFlt-1/PlGF ratio to identify women at risk of developing PE, similarly diagnostically disadvantaged black women. Bias was overcome by adjusting metabolite concentrations for maternal characteristics and use of the competing risks model to estimate patient-specific risks. CONCLUSION: Screening for PE with fixed cut-offs in PlGF or sFlt-1/PlGF diagnostically disadvantages black women. It is essential that measured levels of PlGF be adjusted for race as well as other maternal characteristics.

Blood pressure measurement and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A cohort study testing blood pressure variability and alternatives to 140/90 mmHg.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association with adverse pregnancy outcomes of: (1) American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association blood pressure (BP) thresholds, and (2) visit-to-visit BP variability (BPV), adjusted for BP level. DESIGN: An observational study. SETTING: Analysis of data from the population-based UK Southampton Women's Survey (SWS). POPULATION OR SAMPLE: 3003 SWS participants. METHODS: Generalised estimating equations were used to estimate crude and adjusted relative risks (RRs) of adverse pregnancy outcomes by BP thresholds, and by BPV (as standard deviation [SD], average real variability [ARV] and variability independent of the mean [VIM]). Likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated to evaluate diagnostic test properties, for BP at or above a threshold, compared with those below. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gestational hypertension, severe hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth (PTB), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. RESULTS: A median of 11 BP measurements were included per participant. For BP at ≥20 weeks' gestation, higher BP was associated with more adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, only BP <140/90 mmHg was a good rule-out test (negative LR <0.20) for pre-eclampsia and BP ≥140/90 mmHg a good rule-in test (positive LR >8.00) for the condition. BP ≥160/110 mmHg could rule-in PTB, SGA infants and NICU admission (positive LR >5.0). Higher BPV (by SD, ARV, or VIM) was associated with gestational hypertension, severe hypertension, pre-eclampsia, PTB, SGA and NICU admission (adjusted RRs 1.05-1.39). CONCLUSIONS: While our findings do not support lowering the BP threshold for pregnancy hypertension, they suggest BPV could be useful to identify elevated risk of adverse outcomes.

Choosing blood pressure thresholds to inform pregnancy care in the community: An analysis of cluster trials.

OBJECTIVE: To inform digital health design by evaluating diagnostic test properties of antenatal blood pressure (BP) outputs and levels to identify women at risk of adverse outcomes. DESIGN: Planned secondary analysis of cluster randomised trials. SETTING: India, Pakistan, Mozambique. POPULATION: Women with in-community BP measurements and known pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Blood pressure was defined by its outputs (systolic and/or diastolic, systolic only, diastolic only or mean arterial pressure [calculated]) and level: normotension-1 (<135/85 mmHg), normotension-2 (135-139/85-89 mmHg), non-severe hypertension (140-149/90-99 mmHg; 150-154/100-104 mmHg; 155-159/105-109 mmHg) and severe hypertension (≥160/110 mmHg). Dose-response (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]) and diagnostic test properties (negative [-LR] and positive [+LR] likelihood ratios) were estimated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal/perinatal composites of mortality/morbidity. RESULTS: Among 21 069 pregnancies, different BP outputs had similar aRR, -LR, and +LR for adverse outcomes. No BP level (even normotension-1) was associated with low risk (all -LR ≥0.20). Across outcomes, risks rose progressively with higher BP levels above normotension-1. For each of maternal central nervous system events and stillbirth, BP ≥155/105 mmHg showed at least good diagnostic test performance (+LR ≥5.0) and BP ≥135/85 mmHg at least fair performance, similar to BP ≥140/90 mmHg (+LR 2.0-4.99). CONCLUSIONS: In the community, normal BP values do not provide reassurance about subsequent adverse outcomes. Given the similar performance of BP cut-offs of 135/85 and 140/90 mmHg for hypertension, and 155/105 and 160/110 mmHg for severe hypertension, digital decision support for women in the community should consider using these lower thresholds.

Interventions affecting the nitric oxide pathway versus placebo or no therapy for fetal growth restriction in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition of poor growth of the fetus in utero. One of the causes of FGR is placental insufficiency. Severe early-onset FGR at < 32 weeks of gestation occurs in an estimated 0.4% of pregnancies. This extreme phenotype is associated with a high risk of fetal death, neonatal mortality, and neonatal morbidity. Currently, there is no causal treatment, and management is focused on indicated preterm birth to prevent fetal death. Interest has risen in interventions that aim to improve placental function by administration of pharmacological agents affecting the nitric oxide pathway causing vasodilatation. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review and aggregate data meta-analysis is to assess the beneficial and harmful effects of interventions affecting the nitric oxide pathway compared with placebo, no therapy, or different drugs affecting this pathway against each other, in pregnant women with severe early-onset FGR. SEARCH METHODS: We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (16 July 2022), and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered all randomised controlled comparisons of interventions affecting the nitric oxide pathway compared with placebo, no therapy, or another drug affecting this pathway in pregnant women with severe early-onset FGR of placental origin, for inclusion in this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth methods for data collection and analysis. MAIN RESULTS: We included a total of eight studies (679 women) in this review, all of which contributed to the data and analysis. The identified studies report on five different comparisons: sildenafil compared with placebo or no therapy, tadalafil compared with placebo or no therapy, L-arginine compared with placebo or no therapy, nitroglycerin compared with placebo or no therapy and sildenafil compared with nitroglycerin. The risk of bias of included studies was judged as low or unclear. In two studies the intervention was not blinded. The certainty of evidence for our primary outcomes was judged as moderate for the intervention sildenafil and low for tadalafil and nitroglycerine (due to low number of participants and low number of events). For the intervention L-arginine, our primary outcomes were not reported. Sildenafil citrate compared to placebo or no therapy (5 studies, 516 women) Five studies (Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the Netherlands, the UK and Brazil) involving 516 pregnant women with FGR were included. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as moderate. Compared with placebo or no therapy, sildenafil probably has little or no effect on all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.27, 5 studies, 516 women); may reduce fetal mortality (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.12, 5 studies, 516 women), and increase neonatal mortality (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.33, 5 studies, 397 women), although the results are uncertain for fetal and neonatal mortality as 95% confidence intervals are wide crossing the line of no effect. Tadalafil compared with placebo or no therapy (1 study, 87 women) One study (Japan) involving 87 pregnant women with FGR was included. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as low. Compared with placebo or no therapy, tadalafil may have little or no effect on all-cause mortality (risk ratio 0.20, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.60, one study, 87 women); fetal mortality (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.96, one study, 87 women); and neonatal mortality (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.06 to 13.70, one study, 83 women). L-Arginine compared with placebo or no therapy (1 study, 43 women) One study (France) involving 43 pregnant women with FGR was included. This study did not assess our primary outcomes. Nitroglycerin compared to placebo or no therapy (1 studies, 23 women) One study (Brazil) involving 23 pregnant women with FGR was included. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as low. The effect on the primary outcomes is not estimable due to no events in women participating in both groups. Sildenafil citrate compared to nitroglycerin (1 study, 23 women) One study (Brazil) involving 23 pregnant women with FGR was included. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as low. The effect on the primary outcomes is not estimable due to no events in women participating in both groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Interventions affecting the nitric oxide pathway probably do not seem to influence all-cause (fetal and neonatal) mortality in pregnant women carrying a baby with FGR, although more evidence is needed. The certainty of this evidence is moderate for sildenafil and low for tadalafil and nitroglycerin. For sildenafil a fair amount of data are available from randomised clinical trials, but with low numbers of participants. Therefore, the certainty of evidence is moderate. For the other interventions investigated in this review there are insufficient data, meaning we do not know whether these interventions improve perinatal and maternal outcomes in pregnant women with FGR.

Transitioning from the "Three Delays" to a focus on continuity of care: a qualitative analysis of maternal deaths in rural Pakistan and Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: The Three Delays Framework was instrumental in the reduction of maternal mortality leading up to, and during the Millennium Development Goals. However, this paper suggests the original framework might be reconsidered, now that most mothers give birth in facilities, the quality and continuity of the clinical care is of growing importance. METHODS: The paper explores the factors that contributed to maternal deaths in rural Pakistan and Mozambique, using 76 verbal autopsy narratives from the Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) Trial. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis of these maternal death narratives in both countries reveals an interplay of various influences, such as, underlying risks and comorbidities, temporary improvements after seeking care, gaps in quality care in emergencies, convoluted referral systems, and arrival at the final facility in critical condition. Evaluation of these narratives helps to reframe the pathways of maternal mortality beyond a single journey of care-seeking, to update the categories of seeking, reaching and receiving care. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to supplement the pioneering "Three Delays Framework" to include focusing on continuity of care and the "Four Critical Connection Points": (1) between the stages of pregnancy, (2) between families and health care workers, (3) between health care facilities and (4) between multiple care-seeking journeys. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01911494, Date Registered 30/07/2013.