In Utero Enzyme-Replacement Therapy for Infantile-Onset Pompe's Disease.

Patients with early-onset lysosomal storage diseases are ideal candidates for prenatal therapy because organ damage starts in utero. We report the safety and efficacy results of in utero enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) in a fetus with CRIM (cross-reactive immunologic material)-negative infantile-onset Pompe's disease. The family history was positive for infantile-onset Pompe's disease with cardiomyopathy in two previously affected deceased siblings. After receiving in utero ERT and standard postnatal therapy, the current patient had normal cardiac and age-appropriate motor function postnatally, was meeting developmental milestones, had normal biomarker levels, and was feeding and growing well at 13 months of age.

Clinical Risk Factors for Placenta Accreta or Placenta Percreta: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: Uterine scarring is a risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder. We aimed to determine the factors related to PAS in women who had previously undergone a cesarean. METHODS: We performed a case-control study where women who underwent postpartum hysterectomy for placenta accreta/percreta (cases) were matched to all women with a previous cesarean who delivered in the week before each case (controls). Maternal characteristics along with previous cesarean characteristics were compared between cases and controls. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors related to PAS. RESULTS: We compared 64 cases of PAS that required hysterectomy to 192 controls. The factors related to PAS were a history of uterine surgery (OR 27.4; 95% CI 5.1-146.5, P < 0.001) and the number of previous cesareans (2 cesareans: OR 7.2; 95% CI 3.4-15.4, P < 0.001; more than 2 cesareans: OR 7.9; 95% CI 2.9-21.5, P < 0.001). In women with a single previous cesarean without previous uterine surgery, an interdelivery interval of fewer than 18 months (OR 6.3; 95% CI 1.8-22.4, P = 0.004) and smoking (OR 5.8; 95% CI 1.2-27.8, P = 0.03) were related to PAS. The gestational age and the cervical dilatation at previous cesarean were not associated with PAS (all with P > 0.05). The lack of data regarding the closure of the uterus at previous cesareans prevents us from drawing solid conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Previous uterine surgery, the number of previous cesareans, smoking, and an interdelivery interval of fewer than 18 months after cesarean are significant risk factors for PAS requiring postpartum hysterectomy.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders: A National Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the current practice of Canadian obstetricians-gynaecologists in managing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders from suspicion of diagnosis to delivery planning and explore the impact of the latest national practice guidelines on this topic. METHODS: We distributed a cross-sectional bilingual electronic survey to Canadian obstetricians-gynaecologists in March-April 2021. Demographic data and information on screening, diagnosis, and management were collected using a 39-item questionnaire. The survey was validated and pretested among a sample population. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results. RESULTS: We received 142 responses. Almost 60% of respondents said they had read the latest Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada clinical practice guideline on PAS disorders, published in July 2019. Nearly 1 in 3 respondents changed their practice following this guideline. Respondents highlighted the importance of 4 key points: (1) limiting travel to thereby remain close to a regional care centre, (2) preoperative anemia optimization, (3) performance of cesarean-hysterectomy leaving the placenta in situ (83%), (4) access via midline laparotomy (65%). Most respondents recognized the importance of perioperative blood loss reduction strategies such as tranexamic acid and perioperative thromboprophylaxis via sequential compression devices and low-molecular-weight heparin until full mobilization. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the impact of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada's PAS clinical practice guideline on management choices made by Canadian clinicians. Our study highlights the value of a multidisciplinary approach to reducing maternal morbidity in individuals facing surgery for a PAS disorder and the importance of regionalized care that is resourced to provide maternal-fetal medicine and surgical expertise, transfusion medicine, and critical care support.

Canadian Association of Radiologists Recommendations for the Safe Use of MRI During Pregnancy.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during pregnancy is associated with concerns among patients and health professionals with regards to fetal safety. In this work, the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Working Group on MRI in Pregnancy presents recommendations for the use of MRI in pregnancy, derived from literature review as well as expert panel opinions and discussions. The working group, which consists of academic subspecialty radiologists and obstetrician-gynaecologists, aimed to provide updated, evidence-based recommendations addressing safety domains related to energy deposition, acoustic noise, and gadolinium-based contrast agent use based on magnetic field strength (1.5T and 3T) and trimester scanned, in addition to the effects of sedative use and occupational exposure.

Intraplacental Villous Artery Doppler as an Independent Predictor for Placenta-Mediated Disease and Its Comparison with Uterine Artery Doppler and/or Placental Biochemical Markers in Predictive Models: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To validate intraplacental villous artery (IPVA) Doppler as a predictor for placenta-mediated diseases (PMDs), to compare its predictive value with uterine artery (UtA) Doppler and placental biochemical markers, and to assess its value in predictive PMD models. METHODS: IPVA and UtA indices (pulsatility index [PI] and resistance index [RI]) were recorded at 18-24 weeks of gestation in a cohort of 117 women. The predictive values of IPVA, UtA, and placental biochemical markers were analyzed and compared between the PMD group (the women who developed preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction) and the non-PMD group (the women who remained healthy throughout pregnancy and 3 months postpartum) using the receiver-operating characteristic curves. Logistic regression was used to compare predictive models for PMDs based on IPVA, UtA, and/or biochemical markers. RESULTS: 31 (26.5%) women developed PMD (17 preeclampsia and 14 intrauterine growth restriction). IPVA PI was significantly higher in the PMD group than in the non-PMD group (p = 0.001). UtA PI and RI values remained nonsignificant between both groups (p = 0.066 and 0.104, respectively). IPVA PI from the 3 main branches of the placenta, and specifically the central main stem villi, showed a strong association with PMDs in comparison to UtA (p = 0.03 and 0.001 vs. 0.29). Model prediction including IPVA and UtA PI with or without placental biomarkers did not add any further significance to IPVA PI alone (p = 0.03, 0.41, and 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: IPVA PI appears superior to UtA PI or RI and placental biomarkers in PMD prediction. Model prediction for PMDs including IPVA, UtA Doppler, and biochemical markers did not enhance prediction values compared to IPVA Doppler alone.

Recurrent Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition and Chronic Intervillositis Treated With Heparin and Intravenous Immunoglobulin: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPVFD) and chronic intervillositis (CI) are related rare pathological correlates of severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and fetal loss with high recurrence rates. No standard management has been established. CASE: A patient underwent termination of pregnancy at 21 weeks for severe early onset IUGR. Placental histology showed mixed CI with MPVFD. Several months later, the patient became pregnant and was managed with prednisone and aspirin (ASA) but miscarried at 16 weeks. Placental pathology showed MPVFD and focal CI. For two subsequent pregnancies, she was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), heparin, and ASA. Both pregnancies resulted in healthy near-term deliveries with normal placentas. CONCLUSION: IVIG, heparin, and ASA can be an option in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss due to MPVFD and CI.

Predictors of Outcomes of Non-Elective Cervical Cerclages.

BACKGROUND: Non-elective cervical cerclages are associated with significant perinatal complications. There is scant available information about what the predictors of these outcomes are, thus making counselling difficult. OBJECTIVE: To identify which factors predict delivery at or beyond 28, 34, and 37 weeks' gestation in women with emergency/rescue cervical cerclage. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of nonelective cerclages over 10 years in our centre. We included women with singleton pregnancies, morphologically normal fetuses, and a cervix dilated to at least 1 cm. Our primary outcome was delivery at or beyond 28 weeks' gestation, and secondary outcomes consisted of delivery at or beyond 34 and 37 weeks' gestation. Descriptive statistical and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: We identified a total of 69 cases, and 47 met the inclusion criteria; 44.6% of these women delivered at or beyond 28 weeks' gestation. Membranes seen in the vagina on ultrasound and postcerclage preterm premature rupture of membranes decreased the chance of delivery at or beyond 28 weeks by 81.7% (OR 0.183; 95% CI 0.048 to 0.703) and 95% (OR 0.050; 95% CI 0.006 to 0.429), respectively. The same factors were predictive of deliveries at or beyond 34 and 37 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: Membranes seen in the vagina on ultrasound and postcerclage pre-labour premature rupture of membranes were the strongest predictors of failure to reach 28 weeks' gestation. This information is of critical importance when counselling patients about non-elective cervical cerclage.

Factors Associated With Increased Rates of Caesarean Section in Women of Advanced Maternal Age.

OBJECTIVE: To compare rates of Caesarean section between mothers of advanced age (35 to 40, and over 40 years) and those aged 20 to 34, using the Robson classification system to examine additional maternal factors. METHODS: A total of 134 088 hospital deliveries in Ontario between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2012, were grouped into Robson's 10 mutually exclusive and totally inclusive classification categories. Records from the three Robson groups that made the greatest contribution to the overall CS rate were stratified by maternal age, health condition, obstetrical complication, assisted reproductive technology usage, smoking during pregnancy, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Rates of CS increased with advancing maternal age; in women aged 20 to 34, 35 to 40, and over 40, the rates were 26.2%, 35.9%, and 43.1%, respectively. The top three Robson groups by contribution to CS rates involved women who had one or more of the following factors: previous Caesarean section, primiparity, conception by means of assisted reproductive technology, chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, placenta previa, placental abruption, or large for gestational age infants. The prevalence of these factors increased with advancing maternal age, yet mothers aged ≥ 35 with one or more health conditions or obstetrical complications had higher CS rates than mothers aged 20 to 34 with the same condition(s) or complication(s). CONCLUSION: Health conditions and obstetrical complications alone in older women do not account for increased rates of CS. The preferences of the individual care provider and the mother on CS rates may play a key role and require further investigation.

Objectif : Comparer les taux de césarienne des mères d'âge avancé (de 35 à 40 ans et de plus de 40 ans) à ceux des mères âgées de 20 à 34 ans, en utilisant le système de classification de Robson en vue d'examiner des facteurs maternels additionnels. Méthodes : Au total, 134 088 accouchements s'étant déroulés en milieu hospitalier en Ontario entre le 1er avril 2011 et le 31 mars 2012 ont été groupés en fonction des 10 catégories mutuellement exclusives et totalement inclusives de Robson. Les dossiers des trois groupes Robson ayant le plus contribué au taux global de césarienne ont été stratifiés en fonction de l'âge maternel, de l'état de santé, des complications obstétricales, du recours à des techniques de procréation assistée, du tabagisme pendant la grossesse et du statut socioéconomique. Résultats : Les taux de césarienne étaient proportionnels à l'âge maternel : chez les femmes de 20 à 34 ans, de 35 à 40 ans et de plus de 40 ans, les taux ont été de 26,2 %, de 35,9 % et de 43,1 %, respectivement. Les trois groupes Robson ayant le plus contribué au taux global de césarienne étaient composés de femmes qui présentaient un ou plusieurs des facteurs suivants : antécédents de césarienne, primiparité, conception au moyen de techniques de procréation assistée, hypertension chronique, diabète gestationnel, diabète sucré, prééclampsie, placenta praevia, décollement placentaire ou hypertrophie fœtale. Bien que la prévalence de ces facteurs ait été proportionnelle à l'âge maternel, les mères âgées de 35 ans ou plus qui comptaient un ou plusieurs troubles de santé (ou complications obstétricales) présentaient des taux de césarienne supérieurs à ceux des mères âgées de 20 à 34 ans qui comptaient le ou les mêmes troubles (ou complications). Conclusion : Les taux accrus de césarienne chez les femmes plus âgées ne peuvent être attribués qu'à la seule présence de troubles de santé et de complications obstétricales. Les préférences des fournisseurs de soins et des mères en matière d'accouchement pourraient jouer un rôle clé en ce qui concerne les taux de césarienne, ce qui nécessite la tenue d'études plus approfondies.

The incidence of maternal artefact during intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of maternal heart rate artefact (MHRA) when monitoring fetal heart rate (FHR) in labour and to determine obstetrical factors associated with MHRA. METHODS: In a prospective observational study, maternal and fetal heart rates were displayed simultaneously to document the superimposition of the maternal heart rate (MHR) on FHR tracings. All women in labour who were undergoing external fetal monitoring (EFM) at the Ottawa Hospital from October 2011 to March 2012 were eligible. Every episode of MHRA was documented and classified according to its clinical significance. Wilcoxon test, t tests, and chi-square tests were used to identify time-related differences and obstetrical factors (epidural analgesia, fetal presentation, multiple gestation, maternal BMI, umbilical cord arterial pH, five-minute Apgar scores) that were associated with a potential adverse outcome. RESULTS: We assessed 1313 tracings with simultaneous displays of the MHR and FHR in labour. MHRA was present at least once in 721 tracings (55%). Of these tracings, 35 were classified as having one or more episodes that might have led to an adverse outcome (either false positive or false negative), giving an incidence of 2.7% of all women in labour. In 33 tracings, the MHRA masked an abnormal FHR tracing. In two tracings, the MHRA masked a normal FHR, which might have resulted in misinterpretation of the tracing (i.e., false positive), leading to unnecessary intervention. CONCLUSION: The incidence of MHRA is higher than currently thought, and in more than 2% of women in labour may lead to adverse outcomes. We propose routine use of simultaneous maternal and FHR monitoring for women undergoing EFM, especially during the second stage of labour.

Objectif : Déterminer l'incidence des artéfacts de fréquence cardiaque maternelle (AFCM) dans le cadre du monitorage de la fréquence cardiaque fœtale (FCF) pendant le travail et identifier les facteurs obstétricaux associés aux AFCM. Méthodes : Dans le cadre d'une étude observationnelle prospective, les fréquences cardiaques maternelles et fœtales ont été affichées de façon simultanée afin de documenter la superposition de la fréquence cardiaque maternelle (FCM) sur les tracés de FCF. Toutes les femmes en travail qui, entre octobre 2011 et mars 2012, ont fait l'objet d'un monitorage fœtal externe (MFE) à l'Hôpital d'Ottawa étaient admissibles à l'étude. Chaque épisode d'AFCM a été documenté et classé en fonction de sa signification clinique. Le test de Wilcoxon, des tests t et des tests de chi carré ont été utilisés pour identifier les différences liées au temps et les facteurs obstétricaux (analgésie péridurale, présentation fœtale, gestation multiple, IMC maternel, pH du sang artériel issu du cordon ombilical, indices d'Apgar à cinq minutes) qui ont été associés à une issue indésirable potentielle. Résultats : Nous avons évalué 1 313 tracés ayant affiché de façon simultanée la FCM et la FCF pendant le travail. Des AFCM ont été présents à au moins une reprise dans 721 tracés (55 %). Parmi ces tracés, 35 ont été classés comme présentant un épisode ou plus qui aurait pu mener à une issue indésirable (faux positif ou faux négatif), ce qui équivaut à une incidence de 2,7 % de toutes les femmes en travail. Dans 33 tracés, les AFCM ont masqué un tracé anormal de FCF. Dans deux tracés, les AFCM ont masqué un tracé normal de FCF, ce qui aurait pu mener à une interprétation erronée du tracé (c.-à-d. faux positif) et à la mise en œuvre d'une intervention inutile. Conclusion : L'incidence des AFCM est supérieure aux estimations actuelles; chez plus de 2 % des femmes en travail, ils pourraient mener à des issues indésirables. Nous proposons l'utilisation systématique du monitorage simultané de la FCM et de la FCF pour ce qui est des femmes faisant l'objet d'un MFE, particulièrement au cours du deuxième stade du travail.

Engagement challenges in digital mental health programs: hybrid approaches and user retention of an online self-knowledge journey in Brazil.

Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have surged in popularity over the last few years. However, adherence to self-guided interventions remains a major hurdle to overcome. The current study utilized a phased implementation design, incorporating diverse samples and contexts to delve into the engagement challenges faced by a recently launched online mental health platform in Brazil with self-evaluation forms. Employing an iterative mixed-methods approach, including focus groups, online surveys, and think-aloud protocols, the research aims to evaluate user satisfaction, identify barriers to adherence, and explore potential hybrid solutions. Engagement in the platform was evaluated by descriptive statistics of the number of instruments completed, and qualitative interviews that were interpreted thematically. In the fully self-guided mode, 2,145 individuals registered, but a substantial majority (88.9%) engaged with the platform for only 1 day, and merely 3.3% completed all activities. In another sample of 50 participants were given a choice between online-only or a hybrid experience with face-to-face meetings. 40% of individuals from the hybrid group completed all activities, compared to 8% in the online-only format. Time constraints emerged as a significant barrier to engagement, with suggested improvements including app development, periodic reminders, and meetings with healthcare professionals. While the study identified weaknesses in the number and length of instruments, personalized results stood out as a major strength. Overall, the findings indicate high satisfaction with the mental health platform but underscore the need for improvements, emphasizing the promise of personalized mental health information and acknowledging persistent barriers in a digital-only setting.

Self-help mobile messaging intervention for depression among older adults in resource-limited settings: a randomized controlled trial.

Scalable solutions to treat depression in older adults in low-resourced settings are urgently needed. The PRODIGITAL-D pragmatic, single-blind, two-arm, individually randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of a mobile messaging psychosocial intervention in improving depressive symptomatology among older adults in socioeconomically deprived areas of Guarulhos, Brazil. Older adults (aged 60+ years) registered with 24 primary care clinics and identified with depressive symptomatology (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores ≥ 10) received the 6-week Viva Vida intervention based on psychoeducation and behavioral activation (n = 298) or a single message (n = 305). No health professional support was offered. The primary outcome was improvement from depressive symptomatology (PHQ-9 < 10) at 3 months. Of the 603 participants enrolled (mean age = 65.1 years; 451 (74.8%) women), 527 (87.4%) completed the follow-up assessment. In the intervention arm, 109 of 257 (42.4%) participants had an improved depressive symptomatology, compared with 87 of 270 (32.2%) participants in the control arm (adjusted odds ratio = 1.57; 95% confidence interval = 1.07-2.29; P = 0.019). No severe adverse events related to trial participation were observed. These results demonstrate the usefulness of a digital messaging psychosocial intervention in the short-term improvement from depressive symptomatology that can potentially be integrated into primary care programs for treating older adults with depression. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials registration: ReBEC ( RBR-4c94dtn ).

A self-help mobile messaging intervention to improve subthreshold depressive symptoms among older adults in a socioeconomically deprived region of Brazil (PRODIGITAL): a pragmatic, two-arm randomised controlled trial.

Background: Subthreshold depression is a risk factor for major depression and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in older adults. There is emerging evidence that digital interventions, including self-help interventions, may reduce depressive symptoms. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile messaging intervention at reducing subthreshold depressive symptoms among older adults in Brazil. Methods: PRODIGITAL was a single blind, two-arm, individually randomised controlled trial conducted in 46 primary care clinics in the city of Guarulhos, Brazil. Individuals aged 60+ years were contacted by phone following a randomly ordered list for a screening assessment. Those who presented with anhedonia and/or depressed mood (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2≥1), and who subsequently scored between 5 and 9 on the PHQ-9 were invited to participate. The intervention arm received the 'Viva Vida' digital self-help intervention consisting of automated multi-media messages sent via WhatsApp. Forty-eight audio and visual messages based on psychoeducation and behavioural activation were automatically delivered over six weeks. The control arm received a single message containing information about depression. The primary outcome was the difference in mean PHQ-9 scores between treatment arms at the three-month follow-up. All primary analyses were performed according to allocated arm with imputed data. The trial is registered with ReBEC, RBR-6c7ghfd. Findings: Participants were recruited between 8 September 2021 and 19 August 2022. Of the 454 participants enrolled, 223 were randomised to the intervention arm, 231 to the control arm. Participants' mean age was 65.3 years (SD 5.0) and 64.0% (n = 292) were female. A total of 385 (84.8%) completed the three-month follow-up assessment; no difference in mean PHQ-9 scores between the treatment arms was observed (adjusted difference: -0.61; 95% CI: -1.75, 0.53; p = 0.29). Interpretation: These results demonstrate that the Viva Vida digital self-help intervention did not help to improve subthreshold depressive symptoms amongst older adults. Further research is needed to understand why this self-help intervention was not effective in this population, and to explore how it might be adapted to achieve this goal. Funding: São Paulo Research Foundation and UK Joint Global Health Trials.

Use of WhatsApp by older adults screened for depression in socioeconomically deprived areas of Guarulhos, São Paulo State, Brazil: challenges and possibilities for telehealth.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptomatology, mobile phone ownership, and different uses of WhatsApp among older adults enrolled in primary care clinics in Guarulhos, São Paulo State, Brazil. This is a secondary data analysis, using data collected in the screening of participants to be included in the PROACTIVE cluster randomized trial. Individuals aged ≥ 60 years, registered in primary care clinics in Guarulhos, were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptoms according to the PHQ-9, mobile phone ownership, and use of WhatsApp. We performed multiple logistic regression models to investigate characteristics of the potential users of digital interventions. Of 3,356 older adults screened for depression, 45.7% said they use WhatsApp to receive/send messages. In the subsample that presented depressive symptomatology (n = 1,020), 41.9% stated using WhatsApp. Younger older adults and those with better socioeconomic status used more WhatsApp and were more likely to own a mobile phone. Participants with higher levels of symptoms of depression were less likely to use WhatsApp. Gender, age, schooling level, income, and depressive symptomatology are variables associated with the possession of a cell phone and with the use of WhatsApp by the older adults of the sample. These findings can help to implement digital health programs better suited to disadvantaged populations in Brazil and other low- and middle-income countries through mental telehealth interventions using WhatsApp and mobile health services to the older people.

Impact of villitis of unknown etiology and adverse acute neonatal outcomes in Eastern Ontario.

INTRODUCTION: Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is a histopathological lesion associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. We seek to define the obscure relationship between the severity and distribution of VUE and adverse neonatal outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of pathologic findings from singleton placentas diagnosed with VUE between 2013 and 2019. Control placentas were matched 1:1 for gestational age and presence/absence of fetal IUGR. Neonatal outcomes of interest included: newborn resuscitation, NICU admission, Apgar scores and cord blood acidosis. Odds ratio and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated with controls as the reference. RESULTS: 452 placentas were included. 35 % of pregnancies were complicated by IUGR. When analyzed by severity (low-grade: OR = 4.75 [2.86-8.14]; high-grade: OR = 4.76 [2.71-8.79]) and distribution (focal: OR = 5.24 [2.87-10.17]; multifocal: OR = 4.90 [2.90-8.59]), VUE was significantly associated with need for newborn resuscitation. No other neonatal outcomes of interest were significantly associated with VUE diagnosis. DISCUSSION: We determined a statistically significant association between VUE severity and distribution and the need for newborn resuscitation. VUE lesions were not associated with any additional neonatal outcomes of interest. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these associations for obstetric and neonatal case management.

The Association between Intertwin Difference in First Trimester Crown-Rump Length, Nuchal Translucency, and Birth Weight Discordance in Twin Pregnancies: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Discordant birth weight in twins is linked to poor outcomes and predicting this discrepancy may lead to enhanced screening and surveillance. Our purpose was to quantify the relationship between intertwin nuchal translucency (NT) and crown-rump length (CRL) discordance with birth weight discrepancies ≥ 20%. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 887 live twin births delivering at a Canadian tertiary care center over a 7-year period who opted for integrated prenatal screening. Categorical data are presented as numbers and percentages, and continuous data are expressed as means and standard deviations. Chi-square tests, Fisher's Exact tests, or T-test were performed as appropriate. We then used published data and receiver operating curves to determine the optimal thresholds for predicting birth weight discordance based on first trimester intertwin NT differences. These values were used in multivariate logistic regression models accounting for known confounders. Results: Roughly 16% of twin pairs exhibited ≥ 20% difference in birth weight. Twin pairs with a CRL discordance greater than 10% have nearly a 4 times greater likelihood of having a birth weight discordance greater than 20% (OR 3.71, CI 2.24-6.14) while controlling for chorionicity, maternal age, gestational age at delivery, maternal body mass index (BMI), and parity. In these models, intertwin NT discordance ≥ 20% (OR 1.16, CI 0.77-1.77) and NT discordance ≥ 14% (OR 1.08, CI 0.73-1.60) were not statistically significant predictors of twin birth weight differences. However, when evaluating the effect of the larger intertwin NT value corresponding to the 95th percentile, an NT difference ≥ 0.9 mm was predictive of birth weight discordance ≥ 20% (OR 2.53, CI 1.21-5.29). Conclusion: Although intertwin CRL and NT discordance measured via ultrasound between 11-14 weeks gestation are related to birth weight discordance, there is uncertainty as to whether twin birth weight differences are related to adverse pregnancy outcomes in this population.

Acute chorioamnionitis in pregnancies complicated by placental abruption and short-term neonatal outcomes: A retrospective cohort study.

We examined neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by placental abruption (PA) and acute chorioamnionitis (CA). Exposure was acute CA; primary outcome - fetal death; secondary outcomes - adverse Apgar score, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and cardiac depression. 267 placentas - 18.4% exhibited acute CA. PA pregnancies with CA - 29% experienced fetal death. Funisitis, acute CA and adverse neonatal outcomes are dependent. Without accounting for funisitis, aforementioned findings hold, though effect sizes are smaller. PA, acute CA with funisitis could affect fetal death and NICU admission. Acute CA and PA alone could impact fetal death and adverse Apgar scores.

Does late second-trimester cervical length predict unscheduled preterm birth in asymptomatic triplet pregnancies?

OBJECTIVE: Multiple gestation increases the risk of unscheduled preterm birth (PTB), both spontaneous and indicated, leading to increased neonatal morbidity and additional healthcare costs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cervical length (CL) assessment by 28 weeks could predict unscheduled PTB <34 weeks in triplet pregnancies. Secondary outcomes included prediction of PTB <30 weeks, prediction of PTB based on degree of cervical change and effect of ART-use on PTB. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort of women with triplet pregnancies. The exposure variable of interest was short cervix < 25 and <20 millimeters (mm) by 28 weeks. Maternal characteristics were described. The distribution of CLs was analyzed by the primary outcome of unscheduled PTB < 34 weeks, and by PTB <30 weeks (secondary outcome). Gestational age at delivery was compared between women with and without a short cervix. Changes in CL were compared between the groups with unscheduled PTB and those delivering ≥34 and ≥30 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests. RESULTS: Of 92 triplet pregnancies, 51 met the criteria, with 1233 total (411 shortest) CL measurements from 16 to 34 weeks' gestation. The overall rate of PTB <34 weeks was 31.4% and <30 weeks was 9.8%. The median gestational age at delivery was 32.7 (IQR 2.3) weeks. There were no statistically significant differences in rates of unscheduled PTB in women who had a short cervix and those that did not: PTB <34 weeks with CL <25 mm (p = .53) and CL <20 mm (p = .70); PTB <30 weeks with CL <25 mm (p = .38) and CL <20 mm (p = .26). The degree of cervical change from 18 to 28 weeks was not statistically significant for predicting unscheduled PTB <34 and <30 weeks. Of 70.6% of triplet pregnancies conceived by ARTs, 13.9% had unscheduled PTB <30 weeks, whereas no spontaneously-conceived pregnancies delivered <30 weeks (p = .14). CONCLUSION: Short cervix did not predict unscheduled spontaneous PTB <34 weeks nor <30 weeks in our triplet cohort, nor did the degree of cervical change by 28 weeks predict PTB. Triplets conceived by ARTs may have an increased risk of unscheduled PTB.