Manejo de embarazos únicos con diagnóstico antenatal de vasa previa / Management of singleton pregnancies with prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa

Introducción: vasa previa (VP) corresponde al paso de los vasos umbilicales por las membranas amnióticas, sin protección de gelatina de Wharton o placenta, antes de la presentación fetal, sobre el orificio cervical interno. Pese a su baja incidencia, el diagnóstico prenatal es relevante por las graves consecuencias que puede tener esta patología en caso de no ser diagnosticada. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar la evidencia disponible para el manejo de embarazadas con diagnóstico antenatal de VP. Materiales y métodos: analizamos todos los estudios publicados (prospectivos, retrospectivos y reporte de casos) entre los años 1999 y 2023, con diagnóstico VP en embarazo único, reportando la edad gestacional de interrupción y el resultado neonatal. Resultados: incluimos 19 investigaciones (18 en la búsqueda primera y una adicional por relevancia). Las pacientes con manejo intrahospitalario desde las 34 semanas tuvieron mayor latencia al parto, mejores resultados neonatales y menor tasa de cesárea de urgencia que las pacientes con manejo ambulatorio. La edad gestacional de interrupción es variable entre los estudios, sin embargo, no se evidenció beneficio de interrupción a las 34 semanas comparado con manejo expectante hasta las 37 semanas de edad gestacional. Conclusión: existiría beneficio de hospitalización entre las 32-34 semanas en mujeres con diagnóstico de VP, siendo razonable la interrupción cercana a las 37 semanas por cesárea electiva.

Introduction: vasa previa (VP) corresponds to the passage of the umbilical vessels through the amniotic membranes, without the protection of Wharton's gelatin or placenta, in front of the fetal presentation, over the internal cervical os. Despite its low incidence, prenatal diagnosis is relevant due to the severe consequences of this pathology if the diagnosis is missed. This review presents the available evidence for pregnant women's management with an antenatal diagnosis of VP. Materials and methods: we analyzed all the studies published (prospective, retrospective, and case reports) between 1999 and 2023, with a diagnosis of VP in a single pregnancy, reporting gestational age at delivery and neonatal outcome. Results: We included 19 investigations (18 in the first search and another for relevance). Patients with in-hospital management from 34 weeks had a more extended latency period until delivery, better neonatal outcomes, and a lower rate of emergency cesarean section than patients with outpatient management. The gestational age at birth is variable between the studies; however, no benefit of delivery at 34 weeks was evidenced compared with expectant management until 37 weeks of gestational age. Conclusion: there would be a benefit of hospitalization between 32-34 weeks in women diagnosed with VP, being reasonable to schedule the delivery close to 37 weeks by elective cesarean section.

Prematuros tardíos: estudio clínico retrospectivo de sus causas y consecuencias / Late preterm infants: a retrospective clinical study of their causes and consequences

ANTECEDENTES: Los niños nacidos entre las 34 0/7 y 36 6/7 semanas se denominan prematuros tardíos (PT), constituyen 5-7% de los nacidos y poseen mayor morbimortalidad que los niños de término. OBJETIVO: Analizar las causas de partos PT en nuestra institución. Comparar morbilidad neonatal de nacidos PT y de término. MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se revisan registros de nacimientos entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2012 identificando los nacidos vivos entre las 34 0/7 y 36 6/7 y entre las 39 0/6 y 40 6/7 semanas. Se identifica grupo clínico de parto prematuro al que pertenecen. Se compara frecuencia de resultados perinatales de nacidos PT y de término completo. RESULTADOS: En el período estudiado nacieron 8.890 niños vivos. Tasa de partos PT fue 7,49% (n = 666). El 64,11% fue por causa idiopática o asociado a rotura de membranas y 35,89% por indicación médica. Dentro del grupo de indicaciones médicas un 19,25% de interrupciones no están basadas en evidencia y ninguna puramente electiva. Los PT, comparados con niños de término, tienen más riesgo de hospitalización y morbilidad neonatal; este riesgo es mayor a menor edad gestacional. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestro hospital 1 de cada 5 PT pudo haber nacido a una edad gestacional mayor, lo que podría haber evitado los riesgos perinatales asociados. Se sugiere que las instituciones de salud analicen las causas de interrupciones del embarazo en el grupo de PT, lo que podría ser un indicador de calidad obstétrica.

BACKGROUND: Children born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation are called late-preterm infants. Represent 5 to 7% of live births and they are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality than term infants. OBJECTIVE: To analyze causes of late preterm births in our institution. To compare neonatal morbidity in late-preterm and term infants. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study. Birth records between January 2009 and December 2012 were reviewed identifying live births between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 and between 39 0/6 and 40 6/7 weeks of gestation. Clinical group of preterm labor to which they belong was identified. Frequency of perinatal outcomes of late-preterm and term infants were compared. RESULTS: In the period under study there were 8890 live birth. The late-preterm birth rate was 7.49% (n = 666); 64.11% of them was idiopathic in cause or associated with rupture of membranes and 35.89% was for medical indication. In the group of medical indications 19.25% of the interruptions were not based on evidence and none were purely elective. Late-preterm infants have higher risk of hospitalization and neonatal morbidity than term infants; this risk is higher at earlier gestational ages. CONCLUSIONS: In our hospital 1 in 5 late-preterm birth could have been born at higher gestational age, preventing perinatal risks. It is suggested that health institutions analyze causes of interruption of pregnancy in the late-preterm group, which could constitute an indicator of obstetric quality.

Capacidad diagnóstica de la ecografía para detectar cáncer de endometrio en mujeres posmenopaúsicas sintomáticas y asintomáticas: experiencia de la universidad católica de chile / Diagnostic capability of ultrasound to detect endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women: experience of the catholic university of chile

Antecedentes: El 10 por ciento de las mujeres postmenopáusicas con sangrado uterino anormal (SUA) tendrán cáncer de endometrio. Se recomienda efectuar una biopsia endometrial en toda mujer postmenopáusica con SUA y grosor endometrial ecográfico >5 mm. Estudios recientes sugieren que el uso de un valor menor (3 mm) mejora la capacidad diagnóstica de la ecografía. En mujeres postmenopáusicas asintomáticas se ha sugerido efectuar biopsia endometrial si se detecta un endometrio >11mm. Objetivo: Determinar la capacidad diagnóstica de la ecografía para detectar cáncer de endometrio, utilizando los valores de corte de 3 y 5 mm en mujeres posmenopáusicas sintomáticas y de 11 mm en mujeres postmenopáusicas asintomáticas. Método: Revisión retrospectiva de biopsias de endometrio e historia clínica de mujeres atendidas en la Red de Salud UC (2007-2012). Resultados: Se analizó 132 casos, 63,6 por ciento presentaron SUA. Hubo 17 casos de cáncer de endometrio (12,9 por ciento), con un grosor endometrial promedio de 18 mm, el 8 por ciento presentó SUA. En mujeres sintomáticas la sensibilidad para el diagnóstico de cáncer de endometrio fue de 100 por ciento y de 93 por ciento para valores de corte 3 y 5 mm respectivamente. En mujeres asintomáticas, el punto de corte 11 mm, tuvo una sensibilidad de 50 por ciento y una especificidad de 65 por ciento para el diagnóstico de cáncer de endometrio. Conclusión: Recomendamos efectuar biopsia endometrial a toda mujer postmenopáusica con SUA y endometrio >3 mm. En postmenopáusicas sin SUA, no recomendamos la evaluación ecográfica endometrial de rutina.

Introduction: 10 percent of postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) have endometrial cancer. Endometrial biopsy is recommended in all postmenopausal women with AUB and endometrial thickness >5 mm on ultrasound. Recent studies suggest that the use of a lower value (3 mm) improves the ability of ultrasound to detect endometrial cancer. In asymptomatic postmenopausal women, endometrial biopsy is recommended if the endometrial thickness is >11mm. Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detecting endometrial cancer, using a cutoff value of 3 and 5 mm in symptomatic and 11 mm in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. Methods: Retrospective review of endometrial biopsies and clinical history of women attending UC Health Network (2007-2012). Results: 132 cases were analyzed, 63.6 percent had AUB. There were 17 cases of endometrial cancer (12.9 percent), with a mean endometrial thickness of 18 mm. 88 percent of women with endometrial cancer had SUA. In symptomatic women the sensitivity for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer was 100 percent and 93 percent using a cutoff value of 3 and 5 mm respectively. In asymptomatic women, the cutoff value of 11 mm, had a sensitivity of 50 percent and a specificity of 65 percent for endometrial cancer. Conclusion: We recommend endometrial biopsy in all postmenopausal women with AUB and endometrial thickness >3 mm. In postmenopausal women without AUB we do not recommend routine endometrial ultrasound evaluation.

Manejo de la embarazada con isoinmunización por anticuerpos irregulares / Pregnant management by isoimmunized irregular antibodies

La isoinmunización eritrocitaria feto-materna se define como la presencia de anticuerpos maternos dirigidos contra antígenos presentes en los glóbulos rojos fetales. Los anticuerpos maternos pueden atravesar la barrera placentaria y provocar hemólisis de los glóbulos rojos fetales produciendo anemia hemolítica e hiperbilirrubinemia, características de la enfermedad hemolítica perinatal (EHP). La principal causa de EHP es la incompatibilidad ABO, seguida de la isoinmunización por RhD; esta última ha disminuido su incidencia dado el amplio uso de inmunoglobulina anti D. Sin embargo, el glóbulo rojo tiene más de 400 antígenos, muchos de ellos (>50) capaces de producir isoinmunización y EHP. En este artículo, revisamos la evidencia y proponemos un algoritmo de manejo y seguimiento de las embarazadas con isoinmunización por anticuerpos irregulares. En la isoinmunización por anticuerpos irregulares, los títulos de anticuerpos maternos no se correlacionan con la gravedad de la enfermedad. La anemia en la EHP por anticuerpos anti-Kell es secundaria a una supresión de la eritroblastosis fetal a diferencia del resto de los sistemas que producen anemia hemolítica. Recomendamos efectuar tamizaje de todas las pacientes en el control prenatal, solicitando grupo sanguíneo, Rh y test de Coombs indirecto. En las pacientes Rh (+) con test de Coombs indirecto positivo es necesario identificar los anticuerpos irregulares. En caso de tener isoinmunización por anticuerpos irregulares con riesgo de EHP, derivar a una unidad de alto riesgo obstétrico para realizar seguimiento de la aparición de anemia fetal midiendo de modo seriado el peak sistólico de la arteria cerebral media. Si se detecta anemia fetal, debemos planificar una cordocentesis para confirmar el diagnóstico y tratar la anemia.

The fetomaternal erythrocyte isoimmunization is defined as the presence of maternal antibodies directed against antigens present in fetal red blood cells. Maternal antibodies can cross the placenta and cause hemolysis of fetal red blood cells causing hyperbilirubinemia and hemolytic anemia, known as perinatal hemolytic disease (PHD). The main cause of PHD is ABO incompatibility, followed by RhD isoimmunization. The latter has decreased its incidence since the widespread use of anti-D immunoglobulin. However, the red cell has more than 400 antigens; many of them (>50) can lead to isoimmunization and PHD. In this article, we review the evidence and propose an algorithm for the management and monitoring of pregnant women with irregular antibodies isoimmunization. In the isoimmunization by irregular antibodies, maternal antibody titers do not correlate with the severity of the disease. Anemia in PHD by anti-Kell is secondary to suppression of fetal erythroblastosis unlike other systems that produce hemolytic anemia. We suggest the screening of all patients in the prenatal control with blood group, Rh and indirect Coombs test. In the Rh (+) patients with positive indirect Coombs test, irregular antibodies should be identified. In case of immunization by irregular antibodies in risk of PHD, the women should be referred to a high-risk obstetrics where the appearance of fetal anemia should be seek by measuring systolic peak of middle cerebral artery. If anemia is detected full confirmation of diagnosis and treatment should be effected by cordocentesis.

Hipoglicemiantes orales para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus gestacional: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Oral hypoglycaemic agents for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus: systematic review of the literature

Antecedentes: la diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG) se asocia a mayor riesgo materno y perinatal. El manejo habitual de ésta patología es la dieta, el ejercicio y la insulina. Los hipoglicemiantes orales (HGO) son una terapia emergente para el tratamiento de la DMG. Objetivos: realizar una revisión sistemática de toda la evidencia tipo I disponible acerca del uso de HGO para tratamiento de DMG y realizar un metaanálisis de los resultados maternos y perinatales significativos. Resultados: diez estudios cumplieron criterios de selección. Tres estudios comparaban metformina vs insulina, cuatro gliburide vs insulina y tres metformina vs gliburide. Los estudios no encontraron diferencias significativas en control glicémico ni en complicaciones perinatales entre metformina vs insulina, gliburide vs insulina y metformina vs gliburide. Nuestro metaanálisis mostró que la glicemia de ayuno es significativamente menor (DM 1,74; IC95 por ciento 0,383,10) y la glicemia postprandial a las 2 horas es significativamente mayor en el grupo insulina vs HGO (DM -2,97; IC95 por ciento -27,24 a -5,36). Nuestro metaanálisis muestra que la incidencia de fetos grandes para edad gestacional fue significativamente menor en el grupo metformina vs gliburide (OR 0,38; IC95 por ciento 0,18-0,78). El fracaso del tratamiento con gliburide fue significativamente menor que con metformina (27,6 por ciento vs 38,5 por ciento, p<0,0001; IC95 por ciento 1,21-1,60). Conclusión: los HGO son un tratamiento seguro y efectivo para DMG. Recomendamos gliburide (glibenclamida) para el tratamiento de las pacientes con DMG que fracasan su control glicémico con dieta y ejercicio, por no cruzar la placenta, tener menor tasa de fallo y ser igualmente efectiva que metformina.

Background: gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated to a higher maternal and perinatal risk. Usually GDM is controlled with diet, exercise and insulin. Oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) are an emergent therapy for the treatment of GDM. Objectives: conduct a systematic review of all class I evidence available regarding the use of OHA for GDM treatment, and perform a metaanalysis of significant maternal and perinatal outcomes. Results: ten studies accomplished inclusion criteria. Three studies compared metformin to insulin, four compared glyburide to insulin and three compared metformin to glyburide. Studies showed no significant differences in glycaemic control or perinatal complications, between metformin and insulin, between glyburide and insulin, or between metformin and glyburide. Our metaanalysis comparing OHA to insulin shows significantly lower fasting blood glucose (MD 1.74; 95 percent IC 0.38-3.10) and larger 2-hr postprandial glucose in the insulin group compared to OHA groups (MD -2.97; 95 percent IC -27.24-5.36). Our metaanalysis comparing shows a significantly lower incidence of large for gestational age in the metformin vs. gliburide group (OR 0.38; 95 percent IC 0.18-0.78). Failure of treatment was significantly lower using gliburide than metformin (27.6 percent vs. 38.5 percent, p<0.0001; 95 percent IC 1.21-1.60). Conclusion: OHA are a safe and effective treatment for GDM. We recommend the use of glyburide (glibenclamide) in GDM patients that fail to obtain glycemic control with diet and exercise, since glyburide does not crosses the placental barrier, has a lower rate of treatment failure and is equally affective as metformin.

L-arginina: suplemento nutricional sin beneficios demostrados en patologías del embarazo / L-arginine supplementation in patients with disorders of pregnancy

Objetivo: análisis crítico de estudios clínicos randomizados para determinar si el suplemento con L-arginina mejora el resultado perinatal en pacientes embarazadas en riesgo o que presenten patologías como parto prematuro, síndrome hipertensivo del embarazo o restricción de crecimiento fetal intrauterino. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en base de datos Pubmed, Tripdatabase y una multibúsqueda en el Sistema de Bibliotecas de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile con posterior análisis crítico de los estudios seleccionados. Resultados: se seleccionaron 14 estudios clínicos randomizados; 4 de ellos corresponden a estudios de L-arginina en hipertensión gestacional, 5 estudios de L-arginina en preeclampsia, 1 estudio de L-arginina en parto prematuro, 1 estudio de L-arginina en hipertensión crónica y 4 estudios de L-arginina en restricción de crecimiento intrauterino. Solo dos de los estudios son de buena calidad metodológica, pero uno de ellos estudia un resultado intermedio y no clínicamente relevante. El resultado más promisorio muestra que el uso de L-arginina asociada a vitaminas antioxidantes reduce significativamente la incidencia de preeclampsia en mujeres de riesgo (antecedente personal o familiar de preeclampsia). Conclusiones: no se ha demostrado la efectividad de la suplementación antenatal con L-arginina para mejorar el resultado perinatal en embarazadas en riesgo o que presentan patologías como parto prematuro, síndrome hipertensivo del embarazo o restricción de crecimiento fetal. Se requieren estudios de buen diseño que permitan conclusiones definitivas.

Objective: critical analysis of randomized clinical trials to determine whether supplementation with L-arginine improves perinatal outcome in pregnant patients at risk or presenting conditions such as preterm labor, hypertensive disorders or intrauterine fetal growth restriction. Methods: we performed a literature search in Pubmed, Tripdatabase and multisearch in the Library System of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile to further critical analysis of selected studies. Results: We selected 14 randomized trials, 4 of them are for studies of L-arginine in gestational hypertension, 5 studies of L-arginine in preeclampsia, one study of L-arginine in preterm labor, one study of L-arginine in chronic hypertension and 4 studies of L-arginine in intrauterine growth restriction. Only two of the studies were of good methodological quality, but one these studies analyzes an intermediate result that is not clinically relevant. The most promising result shows that the use of L-arginine associated with antioxidant vitamins significantly reduced the incidence of preeclampsia in women at risk (personal or family history of preeclampsia). Conclusions: is not shown the effectiveness of antenatal supplementation with L-arginine to improve perinatal outcome in pregnant women at risk or with pathological conditions such as premature labor, hypertensive disorders and fetal growth restriction. More studies of good design are needed to allow definitive conclusions.

Mantención de cerclaje luego de rotura prematura pretérmino de membranas antes de las 34 semanas se asocia a un aumento de corioamnionitis materna y mortalidad neonatal por sepsis / Retained cerclage after preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks is associated with increased maternal chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis mortality

El cerclaje es un factor de riesgo de rotura prematura pretérmino de membranas (RPPM). La RPPM ocurre en aproximadamente un 38-65 por ciento de los embarazos con cerclaje y no existe consenso aún sobre cuál es el manejo más adecuado: retirar o mantener el cerclaje. En esta revisión presentamos la evidencia disponible en relación al retiro versus mantención del cerclaje y su directa influencia sobre el resultado materno-perinatal, con el objetivo de proponer una pauta de manejo. La mantención del cerclaje se asoció a un aumento de la latencia al parto mayor a 48 horas, a un aumento en la incidencia de corioamnionitis clínica, y aumento en la incidencia de mortalidad neonatal por sepsis. Conclusión: en pacientes embarazadas con cerclaje que presentan RPPM antes de las 34 semanas proponemos como la conducta más adecuada la mantención del cerclaje sólo hasta completar la inducción de madurez pulmonar con corticoides, luego retirar el cerclaje y proceder al manejo habitual de un embarazo con RPPM antes de las 34 semanas.

Cervical cerclage is a risk factor for preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). PPROM occurs in about 38-65 percent of pregnancies with cerclage. There is no consensus on whether to remove or retain the cerclage after PPROM. Here we review the evidence about clinical management of PPROM in women with cerclage and its influence on maternal and neonatal outcome. Retained cerclage was found to be associated to a prolongation of pregnancy by more than 48 hours, to a higher incidence of maternal chorioamnionitis and to a higher incidence of neonatal mortality from sepsis. In pregnancies with cerclage complicated with PPROM before 34 weeks we propose to retain the cerclage just enough time to complete fetal lung maturation with corticosteroid therapy, then remove the cerclage and manage pregnancy as any PPROM before 34 weeks.

Cetoacidosis diabética como forma de presentación de la diabetes gestacional en una embarazada de 25 semanas / Diabetic ketoacidosis as the onset of gestational diabetes in a pregnant woman at 25 weeks of gestation

La cetoacidosis diabética (CAD) es infrecuente en paciente diabéticas gestacionales, sin embargo es una condición grave que tiene consecuencias maternas y fetales serias. Reportamos el caso de una embarazada, sin antecedentes mórbidos previos, con una glicemia de inicio de control prenatal normal, que debuta con CAD a las 25 semanas de embarazo. Recomendamos mantener un índice de sospecha elevado y solicitar una evaluación de glicemia a toda paciente embarazada que acude al servicio de urgencia con cuadro de náuseas y vómitos y/o deshidratación, aunque no tenga el diagnóstico de diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a rare, but life-threatening condition among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We report the case of a pregnant woman without significant past medical history and with a normal prenatal fasting glucose level, that present with DKA at 25 weeks gestation. We recommend suspecting this condition and request glycaemia levels on any pregnant woman presenting to emergency room because of nausea, vomiting and dehydration, even in the absence of prior diagnosis of diabetes.

El cambio del perfil epidemiológico de la mortalidad materna en Chile dificultará el cumplimiento del 5° objetivo del Milenio / The change in the epidemiological profile of maternal mortality in Chile will hinder the fulfillment of the Millennium 5th goal

Background: The death of women during pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium, remains a serious public health problem worldwide. Chile is committed to comply with the Millennium 5th Goal of reducing maternal mortality to 9.9/100,000 live births in 2015. Aim: To analyze trends in maternal mortality in Chile during 2000-2009. Material and Methods: A descriptive population analysis using raw data obtained from the yearbooks of the National Institute of Statistics of Chile. Maternal mortality, causes of death and age of the dead mothers were evaluated. The causes of maternal death were classified according to the tenth revision of International Classification of Diseases. Trend studies were performed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: In the studied period there were no significant changes in maternal mortality and fertility. The five major causes of maternal death were concurrent diseases, hypertension, abortion, obstetric embolism and postpartum hemorrhage. Mortality associated with concurrent illness showed a significant upward trend (r = 0.656, p = 0.035). Abortion associated mortality had a significant downward trend (r = -0.712, p = 0.023). The group of women 40 years and older significantly increased its birth rate (r = 0.930, p < 0.001), this group showed the highest maternal mortality, especially in association with concurrent diseases. Conclusions: The increased birth rate occurring in women over 40 years old and its larger maternal mortality rate, probably will hinder the fulfillment of the Millennium 5th goal in Chile.

El aborto eugenésico podría explicar la menor mortalidad infantil existente en Cuba comparada con la de Chile / Eugenic abortion could explain the lower infant mortality in Cuba compared to that in Chile

Background: Cuba and Chile have the lower infant mortality rates of Latin America. Infant mortality rate in Cuba is similar to that of developed countries. Chilean infant mortality rate is slightly higher than that of Cuba. Aim: To investigate if the lower infant mortality rate in Cuba, compared to Chile, could be explained by eugenic abortion, considering that abortion is legal in Cuba but not in Chile. Material and Methods: We compared total and congenital abnormalities related infant mortality in Cuba and Chile during 2008, based on vital statistics of both countries. Results: In 2008, infant mortality rates in Chile were significantly higher than those of Cuba (7.8 vs. 4.7per 1,000 live born respectively, odds ratio (OR) 1.67; 95% confidence intervals (Cl) 1.52-1.83). Congenital abnormalities accounted for 33.8 and 19.2% of infant deaths in Chile and Cuba, respectively. Discarding infant deaths related to congenital abnormalities, infant mortality rate continued to be higher in Chile than in Cuba (5.19 vs. 3.82 per 1000 live born respectively, OR 1.36; 95%CI 1.221.52). Conclusions: Considering that antenatal diagnosis is widely available in both countries, but abortion is legal in Cuba but not in Chile, we conclude that eugenic abortion may partially explain the lower infant mortality rate observed in Cuba compared to that observed in Chile.

[The change in the epidemiological profile of maternal mortality in Chile will hinder the fulfillment of the Millennium 5th goal]. / El cambio del perfil epidemiológico de la mortalidad materna en Chile dificultará el cumplimiento del 5° objetivo del Milenio.

BACKGROUND: The death of women during pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium, remains a serious public health problem worldwide. Chile is committed to comply with the Millennium 5th Goal of reducing maternal mortality to 9.9/100,000 live births in 2015. AIM: To analyze trends in maternal mortality in Chile during 2000-2009. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive population analysis using raw data obtained from the yearbooks of the National Institute of Statistics of Chile. Maternal mortality, causes of death and age of the dead mothers were evaluated. The causes of maternal death were classified according to the tenth revision of International Classification of Diseases. Trend studies were performed using Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: In the studied period there were no significant changes in maternal mortality and fertility. The five major causes of maternal death were concurrent diseases, hypertension, abortion, obstetric embolism and postpartum hemorrhage. Mortality associated with concurrent illness showed a significant upward trend (r = 0.656, p = 0.035). Abortion associated mortality had a significant downward trend (r = -0.712, p = 0.023). The group of women 40 years and older significantly increased its birth rate (r = 0.930, p < 0.001), this group showed the highest maternal mortality, especially in association with concurrent diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The increased birth rate occurring in women over 40 years old and its larger maternal mortality rate, probably will hinder the fulfillment of the Millennium 5th goal in Chile.

[Eugenic abortion could explain the lower infant mortality in Cuba compared to that in Chile]. / El aborto eugenésico podría explicar la menor mortalidad infantil existente en Cuba comparada con la de Chile.

BACKGROUND: Cuba and Chile have the lower infant mortality rates of Latin America. Infant mortality rate in Cuba is similar to that of developed countries. Chilean infant mortality rate is slightly higher than that of Cuba. AIM: To investigate if the lower infant mortality rate in Cuba, compared to Chile, could be explained by eugenic abortion, considering that abortion is legal in Cuba but not in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compared total and congenital abnormalities related infant mortality in Cuba and Chile during 2008, based on vital statistics of both countries. RESULTS: In 2008, infant mortality rates in Chile were significantly higher than those of Cuba (7.8 vs. 4.7 per 1,000 live born respectively, odds ratio (OR) 1.67; 95% confidence intervals (Cl) 1.52-1.83). Congenital abnormalities accounted for 33.8 and 19.2% of infant deaths in Chile and Cuba, respectively. Discarding infant deaths related to congenital abnormalities, infant mortality rate continued to be higher in Chile than in Cuba (5.19 vs. 3.82 per 1000 live born respectively, OR 1.36; 95%CI 1.221.52). CONCLUSIONS: Considering that antenatal diagnosis is widely available in both countries, but abortion is legal in Cuba but not in Chile, we conclude that eugenic abortion may partially explain the lower infant mortality rate observed in Cuba compared to that observed in Chile.

¿Existe un aumento de los nacimientos en Chile en el período 2000-2009?: análisis de los principales indicadores materno-infantiles de la década / Trend in annual live birth in Chile between 2000 and 2009

Objetivo. Describir la tendencia en los nacimientos y los principales indicadores materno-infantiles en Chile desde el año 2000 al 2009. Método. Se realiza un análisis descriptivo de la información obtenida desde el Ministerio de Salud de Chile para el período estudiado. Resultados. Durante el período estudiado nacen aproximadamente 2.400.000 personas, se observa un significativo aumento en su número a partir del año 2004 al 2009 (+9,7 por ciento). Las tasas de mortalidad neonatal precoz, tardía, post neonatal e infantil fueron de 3,86; 1,18; 2,54 y 7,58 por 1000 nacidos vivos durante el año 2009, presentado un porcentaje de disminución de un 13,5; 8,4; 16,2; 13,7 por ciento respectivamente en comparación al año 2000. La mortalidad materna disminuyó en un 13,2 por ciento desde 19,7 a 17,1 por cien mil nacimientos en el mismo período. La prematurez (<37s) incrementa significativamente en un 20,82 por ciento (de 5,96 a 7,2 por ciento). El mayor cambio se observa entre las 32-33 y 34-36 semanas (aumento de un 18 por ciento y 32 por ciento, respectivamente). El porcentaje de nacimientos múltiples (dos) aumento significativamente en un 11 por ciento, desde 1,66 a 1,84 por cien nacimientos. Conclusión. Durante el período estudiado se observa un aumento significativo de los nacimientos totales, del porcentaje de primigestas y de madres sobre 40 años. Se presenta un aumento de la prematurez, del bajo peso al nacer y del porcentaje de embarazos múltiples. Los cambios observados se asocian aun a una mejoría de los indicadores neonatales.

Objective. To describe the trend in annual live birth in Chile between 2000 and 2009, as well as the main descriptive statistics and health indicators associated. Methods. We performed a descriptive analysis form the database provided by the Department of Statistics and Information of the Chilean Ministry of Health. Data of 2.400.000 deliveries were analyzed from 2000 and 2009. We analyzed live births, maternal, fetal, infant mortality, as well as main descriptive characteristics by year. Results. The total of live births in Chile has progressively increased after the year 2005 until 2009 (+ 9.7 percent). The early neonatal, late neonatal, post neonatal mortality and mortality infant were 3.86, 1.18, 2.54 and 7.58 per 1000 live births in 2009, showing a decrease of 13.5; 8.4; 16.2; 13.7 percent respectively compared to 2000. Maternal mortality declined a 13.2 percent from 19.7 to 17.1 x 100.000 births in the same period. Prematurity (<37weeks) increased significantly in a 20.82 percent (5.96 percent to 7.2 percent). The biggest change is observed at late preterm birth 32-33 and 34-36 weeks (increase of 18 percent and 32 percent respectively). The rate of multiple births (two) significantly increased also in a 11 percent, from 1.66 to 1.84 x 100.000 birth. Conclusion. During the study period, a significant increase of total births, the percentage of primipare and mothers over 40 years was observed. It's also shown an increase in prematurity, low birth weight and the percentage of multiple pregnancies. The observed changes are associated with improved neonatal indicators.

Bloqueo cardiaco fetal completo: reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Fetal complete atrioventricular block: two case report and literature review

Presentamos 2 casos de embarazos controlados en nuestro servicio con el diagnóstico de bloqueo aurículo-ventricular fetal. Este es un tipo de arritmia poco frecuente, relacionado con la presencia de anticuerpos antiribonucleoproteínas (Ro y La). El manejo es expectante en la mayoría de los casos ya que no existe forma de revertir el bloqueo; en caso de evidenciar una descompensación hemodinámica fetal, se pueden administrar corticoides como medida terapéutica con un éxito limitado. No existe contraindicación del parto vaginal y el uso de pH de cuero cabelludo y oximetría de pulso parecen ser métodos adecuados para la evaluación de la condición fetal intraparto. Recomendamos el enfoque multidisciplinario en esta patología para evitar intervenciones innecesarias, anticipar los riesgos fetales y obtener un mejor pronóstico postnatal.

Here we report the perinatal outcome of two patients with fetal complete atrioventricular (AV) block. This is an uncommon disease, related to the presence of autoantibodies against ribonucleoproteins (Ro and La). Management should be expectant in most cases because a treatment to revert the AV block is not available; when fetal hemodynamic problems are detected corticosteroids can be used, but with limited effectiveness. Vaginal delivery is allowed; fetal scalp pH and pulse oximetry are appropriate for intrapartum fetal surveillance. We recommend a multi disciplinary approach to avoid unnecessary interventions, anticipate fetal risk and obtain a better perinatal outcome.

Manejo del cáncer de recto durante el embarazo / Treatment of rectal cancer associated with pregnancy

El cáncer de recto tiene baja incidencia en la mujer embarazada, su diagnóstico durante el embarazo suele ser tardío, pues sus síntomas son similares a los propios de la gestación. El diagnóstico tardío le confiere un peor pronóstico, aunque el embarazo en si mismo no afecta la evolución natural de la enfermedad. El pronóstico perinatal no se ve afectado por la neoplasia misma, incluso en casos con metástasis múltiples, sino por el tratamiento indicado. El manejo dependerá fundamentalmente del estadío de la neoplasia y de la edad gestacional. Se revisa la literatura médica acerca del cáncer rectal asociado con el embarazo y se plantea un protocolo de manejo.

Rectal cancer has low incidence in the pregnant women. Its diagnosis during pregnancy is usually delayed, since cancer symptoms are quite similar to normal symptoms of gestation. Delayed diagnosis confers worse prognosis, although pregnancy itself does not affect natural evolution of the disease. The perinatal outcome is not affected by the neoplasia, even in cases with multiple metastases, but may be affected by the treatment. The treatment of rectal cancer will depend of the stage of the neoplasia and gestational age. We review published data regarding rectal cancer associated with pregnancy and propose a management protocol.

Significado de flujo diastólico ausente o reverso en el doppler de arteria umbilical como única alteración en la evaluación de bienestar fetal en fetos con trisomía 21 / Absent or reverse diastolic flow umbilical artery doppler velocimetry in trisomy 21 fetuses

La evaluación del bienestar fetal es un desafío clínico. El hallazgo de flujo diastólico ausente o reverso (FDA/FDR) en la velocimetría Doppler de arteria umbilical es considerado un signo de insuficiencia placen-taria. Sin embargo, en fetos con trisomía 21 es posible encontrar FDA/FDR en ausencia de insuficiencia placentaria. Se presenta un caso cínico de una embarazada en cuyo feto se sospecha Síndrome de Down, con velocimetría Doppler de la arteria umbilical con FDA/FDR, sin alteración en otras pruebas de evaluación del bienestar fetal y sin signos de hipoxia al nacer, pero con una cardiopatía congénita. Se han reportado escasos casos similares al expuesto, postulándose que un Doppler umbilical con FDA/FDR puede presentarse como consecuencia de una cardiopatía congénita. Expertos en medicina materno-fetal se han enfrentado a situaciones como la del caso reportado pero no conocen evidencia científica que avale la conducta expectante en estos pacientes. Concluimos que en fetos con Síndrome de Down y FDA/FDR en arteria umbilical debe evaluarse cuidadosamente la presencia de cardiopatías congénitas y mantener la sospecha de insuficiencia placentaria, adoptando decisiones en base a esa sospecha.

Evaluation of fetal well-being is a clinical challenge. The finding of absent or reverse diastolic flow (ADF/ RDF) in the umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry is considered a sign of placental insufficiency. However, it is possible to find ADF/RDF without placental insufficiency in trisomy 21 fetuses. A clinical case of a pregnant woman having a suspected Down syndrome fetus, with ADF/RDF in the umbilical artery Doppler, without any other alteration in fetal well-being tests with no signs of hypoxia at birth, but with a congenital heart disease is reported. Few cases have benne reported showing similar findings, postulating that umbilical artery Doppler with ADF/RDF may be caused by congenital heart disease. Maternal fetal medicine specialist have faced situations like this but they don't known scientific evidence supporting expectant management in these patients. We conclude that fetuses with Down syndrome and ADF/RDF in umbilical artery Doppler should be carefully evaluated by congenital heart disease but keeping a high suspicion of placental insufficiency and acting according to that.

Hidrocefalia unilateral: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Unilateral hydrocephalus: clinical case and literature review

La hidrocefalia congénita unilateral es una malformación extremadamente infrecuente (1 por 1.411 embarazos) y rara vez detectada en el período prenatal. Se considera una entidad distinta a la hidrocefalia bilateral, en cuanto a morbilidad, mortalidad y pronóstico perinatal. En la hidrocefalia unilateral se reporta una sobrevida elevada y un resultado neurológico favorable cuando el grado de dilatación es leve, estable en el tiempo y no asociada a otras malformaciones. El diagnóstico prenatal se realiza mediante ecografía y resonancia magnética y es confirmado al nacimiento con ecografía, tomografía axial computada o resonancia magnética. No existen actualmente pautas estandarizadas para su manejo y seguimiento a largo plazo. Se presenta a continuación un caso clínico de diagnóstico antenatal de hidrocefalia congénita unilateral y la revisión de la literatura.

Congenital unilateral hydrocephalus is an extremely rare malformation (1 per 1,411 pregnancies), rarely detected in the prenatal period. It is considered a different entity than bilateral hydrocephalus, in terms of morbidity, mortality and perinatal outcome. Unilateral hydrocephalus has a high survival rate and favorable neurological outcome when dilatation is mild, stable over time and when not associated with other malformations. Prenatal diagnosis is performed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed at birth with ultrasound, CT sean or MRI. Not currently standard guidelines are available for management and long-term monitoring. We present a case report of antenatal diagnosis of congenital unilateral hydrocephalus and literature review.

Alta frecuencia de patología tiroidea funcional y autoinmune en mujeres embarazadas chilenas catalogadas como sanas / High frequency of functional and autoimmune thyroid disease in women classified as healthy Chilean pregnant

Background: Untreated functional thyroid diseases are a risk factor for maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy. Aim: To determine the frequency of functional or autoimmune thyroid disease in healthy women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Subjets and Methods: healthy pregnant women attending a routine consult during their first trimester of pregnancy were studied. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total and free thyroxin (T4) anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies and spot urine iodine levels were measured. The reference ranges provided by the Atlanta Georgia Consensus in 2004 were used as normal values. A urine iodine concentration < 150 ug/L was considered low. Results: One hundred women age 30 +/- 5 years with a mean gestational age of 8,8 +/- 1,9 weeks, were studied. The frequencies of subclinical hypothyroidism, clinical hypothyroidism, isolated low thyroxin lecels, high antiTPO antibodies and low urine iodine levels were 19, 2, 3, 13 and 15 percent, respectively. Women with high TSH levels had lower total and free T4 levels. Conclusions: Twenty one percent of this sample of apparently healthy pregnant women had a clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism.

Reducción de la fecundidad y envejecimiento de la población de mujeres chilenas en edad fértil: 1990-2004 / Fecundity reduction and aging in fertile women population in the period 1990-2004 in Chile

Background: Chile is in the advanced stage of demographic transition with a low natural growth and a progressively aging population. Aim: To analyze births by range of maternal age and to establish if population aging is expressed in the women's fertile age range. Material and methods: Trend analysis of births and age-specific birth rates in the period 1990-2004, in the Chilean women population of reproductive age. Raw data were obtained from the Vital Statistics Yearbooks of the National Institute of Statistics. Trends were studied by linear regression and Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE). Results: The general trend of births descended significantly from 1999 to 2004 (r: -0.996; p <0.001). Births significantly decreased in the range of ages from 20 to 34 years. There was an increase in the range of ages from 35 to 44 and from 10 to 14 years. The age-specific birth rate declined in all ranges, with the exception of women aged 10 to 14 years. The number of women increased significantly at all age ranges, except for the 20-24 year-old range where no significant change was observed and the 25-29 year-old range that experienced a significant reduction. Conclusions: In the period from 1990 to 2004, there was a significant reduction of births and age-specific birth rates in Chile. There was also an increased birth rate among women aged 35 to 44 years and an aging of the fertile women population.