Guideline No. 442: Fetal Growth Restriction: Screening, Diagnosis, and Management in Singleton Pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: Fetal growth restriction is a common obstetrical complication that affects up to 10% of pregnancies in the general population and is most commonly due to underlying placental diseases. The purpose of this guideline is to provide summary statements and recommendations to support a clinical framework for effective screening, diagnosis, and management of pregnancies that are either at risk of or affected by fetal growth restriction. TARGET POPULATION: All pregnant patients with a singleton pregnancy. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Implementation of the recommendations in this guideline should increase clinician competency to detect fetal growth restriction and provide appropriate interventions. EVIDENCE: Published literature in English was retrieved through searches of PubMed or MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library through to September 2022 using appropriate controlled vocabulary via MeSH terms (fetal growth retardation and small for gestational age) and key words (fetal growth, restriction, growth retardation, IUGR, FGR, low birth weight, small for gestational age, Doppler, placenta, pathology). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Grey literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Table A1 for definitions and Table A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: Obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, radiologists, and other health care providers who care for pregnant patients. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Updated guidelines on screening, diagnosis, and management of pregnancies at risk of or affected by FGR. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS: Prediction of FGR Prevention of FGR Detection of FGR Investigations in Pregnancies with Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction Management of Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction Management of Late-Onset FGR Postpartum management and preconception counselling.

Directive clinique no 442 : Retard de croissance intra-utérin : Dépistage, diagnostic et prise en charge en contexte de grossesse monofœtale.

OBJECTIF: Le retard de croissance intra-utérin est une complication obstétricale fréquente qui touche jusqu'à 10 % des grossesses dans la population générale et qui est le plus souvent due à une pathologie placentaire sous-jacente. L'objectif de la présente directive clinique est de fournir des déclarations sommaires et des recommandations pour appuyer un protocole clinique de dépistage, diagnostic et prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin pour les grossesses à risque ou atteintes. POPULATION CIBLE: Toutes les patientes enceintes menant une grossesse monofœtale. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application des recommandations de la présente directive devrait améliorer la compétence des cliniciens quant à la détection du retard de croissance intra-utérin et à la réalisation des interventions indiquées. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée a été colligée par des recherches effectuées jusqu'en septembre 2022 dans les bases de données PubMed, Medline, CINAHL et Cochrane Library en utilisant un vocabulaire contrôlé au moyen de termes MeSH pertinents (fetal growth retardation and small for gestational age) et de mots-clés (fetal growth, restriction, growth retardation, IUGR, FGR, low birth weight, small for gestational age, Doppler, placenta, pathology). Seuls les résultats de revues systématiques, d'essais cliniques randomisés ou comparatifs et d'études observationnelles ont été retenus. La littérature grise a été obtenue par des recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Obstétriciens, médecins de famille, infirmières, sages-femmes, spécialistes en médecine fœto-maternelle, radiologistes et autres professionnels de la santé qui prodiguent des soins aux patientes enceintes. RéSUMé POUR TWITTER: Mise à jour de la directive sur le dépistage, le diagnostic et la prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin pour les grossesses à risque ou atteintes. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS: Prédiction du retard de croissance intra-utérin Prévention du retard de croissance intra-utérin Détection du retard de croissance intra-utérin Examens en cas de retard de croissance intra-utérin soupçonné Prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin précoce Prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin tardif Prise en charge du post-partum et consultations préconception.

Hemodynamic Assessment of Pregnant People with and without Obesity by Noninvasive Bioreactance: A Pilot Study.

Objective This study aimed to identify cardiovascular differences between pregnant people with and without obesity for trimester-specific changes in hemodynamic parameters using noninvasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM). Study Design This study is a pilot prospective comparative cohort between pregnant people with and without obesity. Hemodynamic assessment was performed with NICOM (12-14, 21-23, and 34-36 weeks) during pregnancy. Results In first trimester, pregnant people with obesity had higher blood pressure, stroke volume (SV), total peripheral resistance index (TPRI), and cardiac output (CO). Pregnant people with obesity continued to have higher SV and cardiac index (second and third trimesters). During the first trimester, body mass index (BMI) positively correlated with SV, TPRI, and CO. Fat mass showed a strong correlation with TPRI. BMI positively correlated with CO during the second trimester and fat mass was positively associated with CO. During the third trimester, TPR negatively correlated with BMI and fat mass. Conclusion Fat mass gain in the period between the first and second trimesters in addition to the hemodynamic changes due to obesity and pregnancy contribute to some degree of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction which was manifested by lower SVs. Future work should investigate the possible causative role of obesity in the cardiovascular changes identified in people with obesity.

Risk Factors Associated with Uterine Rupture and Dehiscence: A Cross-Sectional Canadian Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal and perinatal risk factors associated with complete uterine rupture and uterine dehiscence. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients with uterine rupture/dehiscence from January 1998 to December 2017 (30 years) admitted at the Labor and Delivery Unit of a tertiary teaching hospital in Canada. RESULTS: There were 174 (0.1%) cases of uterine disruption (29 ruptures and 145 cases of dehiscence) out of 169,356 deliveries. There were associations between dehiscence and multiparity (odds ratio [OR]: 3.2; p = 0.02), elevated maternal body mass index (BMI; OR: 3.4; p = 0.02), attempt of vaginal birth after a cesarian section (OR: 2.9; p = 0.05) and 5-minute low Apgar score (OR: 5.9; p < 0.001). Uterine rupture was associated with preterm deliveries (36.5 ± 4.9 versus 38.2 ± 2.9; p = 0.006), postpartum hemorrhage (OR: 13.9; p < 0.001), hysterectomy (OR: 23.0; p = 0.002), and stillbirth (OR: 8.2; p < 0.001). There were no associations between uterine rupture and maternal age, gestational age, onset of labor, spontaneous or artificial rupture of membranes, use of oxytocin, type of uterine incision, and birthweight. CONCLUSION: This large cohort demonstrated that there are different risk factors associated with either uterine rupture or dehiscence. Uterine rupture still represents a great threat to fetal-maternal health and, differently from the common belief, uterine dehiscence can also compromise perinatal outcomes.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os fatores de risco maternos e perinatais associados à ruptura uterina completa e deiscência uterina. MéTODOS: Estudo transversal de pacientes com ruptura/deiscência uterina no período de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 2017 (30 anos) internadas na Unidade de Parto de um hospital universitário terciário no Canadá. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram 174 (0,1%) casos de transtorno uterino (29 rupturas e 145 deiscências) em 169.356 partos. Houve associações entre deiscência e multiparidade (razão de chances [RC]: 3,2; p = 0,02), índice de massa corporal (IMC) materno elevado (RC: 3,4; p = 0,02), tentativa de parto vaginal após cesariana (RC: 2,9; p = 0,05) e baixa pontuação Apgar em 5 minutos (RC: 5,9; p < 0,001). A ruptura uterina foi associada a partos prematuros (36,5 ± 4,9 versus 38,2 ± 2,9; p = 0,006), hemorragia pós-parto (RC: 13,9; p < 0,001), histerectomia (RC: 23,0; p = 0,002) e natimorto (RC: 8,2; p < 0,001). Não houve associação entre ruptura uterina e idade materna, idade gestacional, início do trabalho de parto, ruptura espontânea ou artificial de membranas, uso de ocitocina, tipo de incisão uterina e peso ao nascer. CONCLUSãO: Esta grande coorte demonstrou que existem diferentes fatores de risco associados à ruptura ou à deiscência uterina. A ruptura uterina ainda representa uma grande ameaça à saúde materno-fetal e, diferentemente da crença comum, a deiscência uterina também pode comprometer os desfechos perinatais.

Risk Factors Associated with Uterine Rupture and Dehiscence: A Cross-Sectional Canadian Study / Fatores de risco associados à ruptura uterina e deiscência: Um estudo transversal canadense

Abstract Objective To compare maternal and perinatal risk factors associated with complete uterine rupture and uterine dehiscence. Methods Cross-sectional study of patients with uterine rupture/dehiscence from January 1998 to December 2017 (30 years) admitted at the Labor and Delivery Unit of a tertiary teaching hospital in Canada. Results There were 174 (0.1%) cases of uterine disruption (29 ruptures and 145 cases of dehiscence) out of 169,356 deliveries. There were associations between dehiscence and multiparity (odds ratio [OR]: 3.2; p=0.02), elevated maternal body mass index (BMI; OR: 3.4; p=0.02), attempt of vaginal birth after a cesarian section (OR: 2.9; p=0.05) and 5-minute low Apgar score (OR: 5.9; p<0.001). Uterine rupture was associated with preterm deliveries (36.5 ± 4.9 versus 38.2 ± 2.9; p=0.006), postpartum hemorrhage (OR: 13.9; p<0.001), hysterectomy (OR: 23.0; p=0.002), and stillbirth (OR: 8.2; p<0.001). There were no associations between uterine rupture and maternal age, gestational age, onset of labor, spontaneous or artificial rupture of membranes, use of oxytocin, type of uterine incision, and birthweight. Conclusion This large cohort demonstrated that there are different risk factors associated with either uterine rupture or dehiscence. Uterine rupture still represents a great threat to fetal-maternal health and, differently from the common belief, uterine dehiscence can also compromise perinatal outcomes.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar os fatores de risco maternos e perinatais associados à ruptura uterina completa e deiscência uterina. Métodos Estudo transversal de pacientes com ruptura/deiscência uterina no período de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 2017 (30 anos) internadas na Unidade de Parto de um hospital universitário terciário no Canadá. Resultados Ocorreram 174 (0,1%) casos de transtorno uterino (29 rupturas e 145 deiscências) em 169.356 partos. Houve associações entre deiscência e multiparidade (razão de chances [RC]: 3,2; p=0,02), índice demassa corporal (IMC)materno elevado (RC: 3,4; p=0,02), tentativa de parto vaginal após cesariana (RC: 2,9; p=0,05) e baixa pontuação Apgar em 5minutos (RC: 5,9; p<0,001). A ruptura uterina foi associada a partos prematuros (36,5 ± 4,9 versus 38,2 ± 2,9; p=0,006), hemorragia pós-parto (RC: 13,9; p<0,001), histerectomia (RC: 23,0; p=0,002) e natimorto (RC: 8,2; p<0,001). Não houve associação entre ruptura uterina e idade materna, idade gestacional, início do trabalho de parto, ruptura espontânea ou artificial de membranas, uso de ocitocina, tipo de incisão uterina e peso ao nascer. Conclusão Esta grande coorte demonstrou que existem diferentes fatores de risco associados à ruptura ou à deiscência uterina. A ruptura uterina ainda representa uma grande ameaça à saúde materno-fetal e, diferentemente da crença comum, a deiscência uterina também pode comprometer os desfechos perinatais.

Highly expressed ACE-2 receptors during pregnancy: A protective factor for SARS-COV-2 infection?

While previous viral pandemics showed that pregnancy was a risk factor for susceptibility and adverse outcomes, current evidence is conflicting whether SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is more severe than in the general population, with relatively low maternal and fetal/neonatal mortality rates. SARS-CoV-2 is known to enter host cells via the ACE-2 receptors, competitively occupying their binding sites. In theory, viral invasion can lead to a reduction in available ACE-2 receptors and consequently an unbalanced regulation between the ACE-AngII-AT1 axis and the ACE-2-Ang-(1-7)-MAS axis, thus enhancing pathological vasoconstriction, fibrosis, inflammation and thrombotic processes. We hypothesize that the normal pregnant state of highly expressed ACE-2 receptors leads to higher Ang-(1-7) levels and consequently more vasodilation and anti-inflammatory response to SARS-COV-2 infection. We suggest that this up-regulation of ACE-2 receptors in human gestation may actually be clinically protective and propose a potential research line to investigate this hypothesis, which may lead to future novel therapeutics.

Sleepiness, sleep deprivation, quality of life, mental symptoms and perception of academic environment in medical students.

BACKGROUND: It has been previously shown that a high percentage of medical students have sleep problems that interfere with academic performance and mental health. METHODS: To study the impact of sleep quality, daytime somnolence, and sleep deprivation on medical students, we analyzed data from a multicenter study with medical students in Brazil (22 medical schools, 1350 randomized medical students). We applied questionnaires of daytime sleepiness, quality of sleep, quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms and perception of educational environment. RESULTS: 37.8% of medical students presented mild values of daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale - ESS) and 8.7% presented moderate/severe values. The percentage of female medical students that presented ESS values high or very high was significantly greater than male medical students (p <  0.05). Students with lower ESS scores presented significantly greater scores of quality of life and perception of educational environment and lower scores of depression and anxiety symptoms, and these relationships showed a dose-effect pattern. Medical students reporting more sleep deprivation showed significantly greater odds ratios of presenting anxiety and depression symptoms and lower odds of good quality of life or perception of educational environment. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness with the perception of quality of life and educational environment in medical students.

Counselling Patients for Trial of Labour after Cesarean (TOLAC) and Invasive Placentation: Are We Missing the Mark? The Importance of Local Data and Informed Choice.

OBJECTIVE: Rates of cesarean delivery are increasing, and these procedures carry potential complications, like the risk of invasive placentation, which increases with each cesarean. A trial of labour after cesarean (TOLAC) is a viable option for patients; however, it has been associated with uterine rupture, a complication with maternal and fetal risks. To better counsel patients considering TOLAC, we aimed to determine local uterine rupture rates and maternal and neonatal outcomes with TOLAC and compare these with outcomes related to invasive placentation. METHODS: A 4-year retrospective chart review was conducted at our tertiary centre of all patients with a history of a previous cesarean delivery. We assessed rates of TOLAC, vaginal delivery after cesarean (VBAC), and uterine rupture, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with invasive placentation. Cases of uterine rupture from 1988 to the present were also reviewed, and their outcomes were compared with those of invasive placentation. RESULTS: Our uterine rupture rate was 0.44% and VBAC rate was 73.8%. We identified 8 cases of uterine rupture since 1988 and 67 invasive placentas during the 4-year chart review. Invasive placentation was associated with a significantly increased risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity, hysterectomy, maternal complications, and longer length of maternal hospital stay when compared with uterine rupture. CONCLUSION: While uterine rupture remains a potential complication of TOLAC, it is rare with overall excellent maternal and neonatal outcomes. Invasive placentation, the risk of which increases with cesarean delivery, carries potentially higher complication rates than uterine rupture. Local complication data is important for individual sites offering TOLAC. The implications of invasive placentation cannot be overlooked when counselling patients considering TOLAC.

COVID-19 during pregnancy: an overview of maternal characteristics, clinical symptoms, maternal and neonatal outcomes of 10,996 cases described in 15 countries.

The objective of this review was to identify the most significant studies reporting on COVID-19 during pregnancy and to provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and perinatal outcomes. Eligibility criteria included all reports, reviews; case series with more than 100 individuals and that reported at least three of the following: maternal characteristics, maternal COVID-19 clinical presentation, pregnancy outcomes, maternal outcomes and/or neonatal/perinatal outcomes. We included eight studies that met the inclusion criteria, representing 10,966 cases distributed in 15 countries around the world until July 20, 2020. The results of our review demonstrate that the maternal characteristics, clinical symptoms, maternal and neonatal outcomes almost 11,000 cases of COVID-19 and pregnancy described in 15 different countries are not worse or different from the general population. We suggest that pregnant women are not more affected by the respiratory complications of COVID-19, when compared to the outcomes described in the general population. We also suggest that the important gestational shift Th1-Th2 immune response, known as a potential contributor to the severity in cases of viral infections during pregnancy, are counter-regulated by the enhanced-pregnancy-induced ACE2-Ang-(1-7) axis. Moreover, the relatively small number of reported cases during pregnancy does not allow us to affirm that COVID-19 is more aggressive during pregnancy. Conversely, we also suggest, that down-regulation of ACE2 receptors induced by SARS-CoV-2 cell entry might have been detrimental in subjects with pre-existing ACE2 deficiency associated with pregnancy. This association might explain the worse perinatal outcomes described in the literature.

Reducing the Number of Opioids Consumed After Discharge Following Elective Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce opioids consumed after discharge from hospital after elective cesarean delivery by 50%. METHODS: This was a 2-week parallel group non-blinded randomized controlled trial at Mount Sinai Hospital. Eligible women undergoing elective cesarean delivery were assigned by random number generation to receive the hospital's standard post-cesarean opioid prescription of 20 1-mg hydromorphone tablets or a prescription for 10 1-mg hydromorphone tablets if opioids were required in hospital or no hydromorphone if no opioids were required in hospital. Patients completed a study questionnaire at 2 weeks postpartum detailing outcome measures. The primary outcome was the amount of opioid consumed after discharge. RESULTS: A total of 40 women were randomly assigned to a study group and 37 were included in the data analysis; 17 patients were in the control group and 20 in the experimental group. The median number of tablets consumed did not differ between groups (P = 0.407). The median number of excess tablets prescribed was 20 (range 2-18) in the control group and 0 (range 0-10) in the experimental group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current standard discharge practice of giving 20 1-mg hydromorphone tablets to all patients post-discharge after cesarean delivery contributes to a substantial excess of opioids in the community. These opioids can be diverted for unintended or accidental usage, and exacerbate larger societal issues of opioid misuse and addiction. Decreasing the number of opioids prescribed with tailored discharge prescriptions based on in-hospital opioid use provides nearly all patients with adequate pain control.

Preeclampsia may influence offspring neuroanatomy and cognitive function: a role for placental growth factor†.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy complication affecting 3-5% of women. Preeclampsia is diagnosed clinically as new-onset hypertension with associated end organ damage after 20 weeks of gestation. Despite being diagnosed as a maternal syndrome, fetal experience of PE is a developmental insult with lifelong cognitive consequences. These cognitive alterations are associated with distorted neuroanatomy and cerebrovasculature, including a higher risk of stroke. The pathophysiology of a PE pregnancy is complex, with many factors potentially able to affect fetal development. Deficient pro-angiogenic factor expression is one aspect that may impair fetal vascularization, alter brain structure, and affect future cognition. Of the pro-angiogenic growth factors, placental growth factor (PGF) is strongly linked to PE. Concentrations of PGF are inappropriately low in maternal blood both before and during a PE gestation. Fetal concentrations of PGF appear to mirror maternal circulating concentrations. Using Pgf-/- mice that may model effects of PE on offspring, we demonstrated altered central nervous system vascularization, neuroanatomy, and behavior. Overall, we propose that development of the fetal brain is impaired in PE, making the offspring of preeclamptic pregnancies a unique cohort with greater risk of altered cognition and cerebrovasculature. These individuals may benefit from early interventions, either pharmacological or environmental. The early neonatal period may be a promising window for intervention while the developing brain retains plasticity.

Obstetrical Outcomes of Head and Neck (Nonthyroid) Cancers: A 27-Year Retrospective Series and Literature Review.

Objective To describe the clinical presentation and obstetrical outcomes of nonthyroid head and neck cancers (HNCs), and to review literature on this rare condition in pregnancy. Study Design Pregnant women with nonthyroid HNC were identified retrospectively from 1990 to 2017. Maternal, neonatal, pregnancy, and demographic data were collected. A review of the literature from January 1980 to May 2018 was performed. Results Over the 27-year time period, 16 women with history of nonthyroid HNC were identified (9 diagnosed during and 7 diagnosed before current pregnancy). The cases were analyzed in detail and the most updated review of management of each type of HNC was provided. Conclusions HNCs are rare with diagnosis and management challenges during pregnancy. In this series, the cases diagnosed and managed previously to pregnancy presented better perinatal outcomes than the cases presented during pregnancy. The maternal outcomes appeared similar for HNC diagnosed before or after pregnancy.

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pregnancies affected by Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors.

Objective This study was aimed to describe perinatal outcome of a cohort of pregnant patients with bone and soft tissue tumors and to compare the current series with our group's previously reported experience. Methods Pregnant women diagnosed before and during pregnancy were identified, retrospectively, for the years 2004 to 2014. Relevant maternal and neonatal data were collected. Results Forty-eight patients were identified. Ten cases were diagnosed during pregnancy. Pelvis, abdomen, and extremities were the most common tumor locations. Osteosarcoma, liposarcoma, and Ewing's sarcoma were the most common histological types and comprise more than 50% of the cases. Metastases occurred in nine cases. Most of the cases (60%) were treated surgically during pregnancy and delivery occurred at term. Chemotherapy was delayed until after delivery. There were no perinatal or infant deaths. Patients presented with advanced maternal disease in 18% in previous report (1983-2003) versus 40% in present report (2004-2014). Metastases were present in 40% and maternal death rate was approximately 20% in both cohorts. Conclusion Pregnant women with bone and soft tissue tumors are candidates for standard surgical management during pregnancy. Other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy must be evaluated for each woman on a case-by-case basis. Iatrogenic prematurity was common in our findings.

Resting-state functional connectivity in children born from gestations complicated by preeclampsia: A pilot study cohort.

BACKGROUND: Individuals (PE-F1s) born from preeclampsia (PE)-complicated pregnancies have elevated risks for cognitive impairment. Intervals of disturbed maternal plasma angiokines precede clinical signs of PE. We hypothesized pan-blastocyst dysregulation of angiokines underlies altered PE-F1 brain vascular and neurological development. This could alter brain functional connectivity (FC) patterns at rest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Resting-state functional MRI datasets of ten, matched child pairs (5 boys and 5 girls aged 7-10 years of age) from PE or control pregnancies were available for study. Seed-based analysis and independent component analysis (ICA) methodologies were used to assess whether differences in resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) were present between PE-F1s and controls. Bilateral amygdala, bilateral hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) were selected as regions of interest (ROI) for the seed-based analysis based on previous imaging differences that we reported in this set of children. RESULTS: Compared to controls, PE-F1 children had increased rs-FC between the right amygdala and left frontal pole, the left amygdala and bilateral frontal pole, and the MPFC and precuneus. PE-F1 children additionally had decreased rs-FC between the MPFC and the left occipital fusiform gyrus compared to controls. CONCLUSION: These are the first reported rs-FC data for PE-F1s of any age. Theysuggest that PE alters FC during human fetal brain development. Altered FC may contribute to the behavioural and neurological alterations reported in PE-F1s. Longitudinal MRI studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these novel findings.

Thromboprophylaxis and maternal-fetal outcomes of women with serum markers for hereditary thrombophilia and previous obstetric complications / Tromboprofilaxia e desfechos materno-fetais de mulheres com marcadores séricos para trombofilias hereditárias e antecedentes de complicações obstétricas

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the maternalfetal outcomes of thromboprophylaxis with enoxa parin based on scoring system in women with serum markers for hereditary thrombophilia and previous obstetric complications. Methods: a retrospective study was undertaken based on data collected from clinical records. We included 54 pregnant women with serum markers for hereditary thrombophilia undergoing therapeutic intervention with enoxaparin in the period from November 2009 to December 2013. The initial dose of low molecular weight heparin was guided by a scoring system. The maternalfetal outcomes of previous pregnancies and, subsequently, the treatment were compared using the chisquare (χ2) test with the Yates correction and Fisher's Exact Test; p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: we observed significant reduction in fetal/perinatal deaths (p<0.05) and spontaneous abortions (p<0.001) after intervention. The live births at fullterm delivery (p<0.001) and live births at preterm delivery (p<0.05) increased significantly after intervention. Conclusions: the therapeutic intervention with enoxaparin based on scoring system during pregnancy seems to improve the fetal prognosis.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar os desfechos maternosfetais da tromboprofilaxia com enoxaparina com base em sistema de pontuação em mulheres com marcadores séricos para trombofilia hereditária e antecedentes de complicações obstétricas. Métodos: realizouse estudo retrospectivo com base em dados coletados de prontuários. Foram Incluídas 54 mulheres grávidas com marcadores séricos de trombofilia hereditária submetidos à intervenção terapêutica com enoxaparina no período de novembro de 2009 a dezembro de 2013. A dose inicial de heparina de baixo peso molecular foi norteada por um sistema de pontuação. Os resultados maternosfetais de gestações anteriores e subsequentes ao tratamento foram comparados utilizando Teste quiquadrado com correção de Yates ou Exato de Fisher; p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: observouse significativa redução de mortes fetais / perinatais (p<0,05) e abortos espontâneos (p<0,001) após intervenção. Os nascidos vivos com parto a termo (p<0,001) e nascidos vivos no parto prematuro (p<0,05) elevaramse significativamente após a intervenção. Conclusão: a intervenção terapêutica com enoxaparina com base no sistema de pontuação durante a gravidez parece melhorar o prognóstico fetal.

Serum markers thrombophilia in pregnant women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / Marcadores Séricos para Trombofilia em Gestantes com Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico

Abstract Objectives: to determine the frequency of serum markers for hereditary and acquired thrombophilia and their association with pregnancy in women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Methods: a case-control study was conducted among 25 pregnant women with SLE (study group) and 32 pregnant women without known disease and with at least one previous pregnancy (control group). The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and hereditary thrombophilia were examined in both groups. We used the y2 Test with Yates correction or Fisher's Exact Test to verify the associations and calculate the relative risk. Results: thrombophilia was present in 72.0% of pregnant women with SLE and in 6.0% of patients in the control group. A significant association was found between the presence of SLE and serum markers for hereditary thrombophilia / antiphospholipid antibodies (p<0.05). The relative risks for antiphospholipid antibodies were 13.20 (ICR95%= 1.81 - 96.46) in pregnant women with SLE, 7.26 (CI95%= 1.77 - 29.86) for the presence of serum markers of hereditary thrombophilia and 7.92 (CI95%= 2.62 - 3.94) for the presence of hereditary thrombophilia and/or antiphospholipid antibodies. Conclusions: the identification of markers for hereditary and/or acquired thrombophilia in pregnant women with lupus may be clinically useful to determine which patients have a higher risk of obstetric complications.

Resumo Objetivos: determinar a frequência e a associação ente LES em gestantes e a ocorrência de marcadores séricos para trombofilias hereditárias e adquiridas no grupo de gestantes estudadas. Métodos: foi realizado estudo caso-controle com 25 gestantes portadoras de Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (grupo estudo) e 32 gestantes sem doença conhecida, com pelo menos uma gestação anterior (grupo controle). A presença de anticorpos antifosfolípides e trombofilia hereditária foi examinada em ambos os grupos. Utilizamos o Teste y2 com correção de Yates ou Teste Exato de Fisher para verificar as associações e calcular o risco relativo. Resultados: verificou-se a presença de trombofilias em 72,0% das gestantes portadoras de LES e em 6,0% das pacientes do grupo controle. Encontrou-se significante associação entre a presença de LES em gestantes e marcadores séricos para trombofilias hereditárias/anticorpos antifosfolípides (p<0,05). Identificou-se risco relativo para presença de anticorpos antifosfolípides de 13,20 (1,81<RR<96,46) em gestantes portadoras de LES, 7.26 (IC95%=1.77-29.86) para presença de marcadores séricos de trombofilias hereditárias e de 7.92 (IC95%= 2.62 - 23.94) considerando a presença de trombofilias hereditárias e/ou presença de anticorpos antifosfolípides. Conclusões: a identificação de marcadores para trombofilia hereditária e/ou adquirida em gestantes com lúpus pode ser clinicamente útil para determinar quais pacientes apresentam maior risco de complicações obstétricas.

Neurological function in children born to preeclamptic and hypertensive mothers - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Offspring whose mothers developed preeclampsia (PE-F1s) show developmental effects that are now being identified, such as cognitive, behavioural, and mood differences compared to offspring from non-complicated pregnancies. We hypothesize that the progressive angiokine dysregulation associated with development of preeclampsia (PE) reflects gene dysregulation in pre-implantation conceptuses, and manifests in all developing fetal tissues rather than exclusively to the placenta. This hypothesis predicts that fetal cerebrovascular and brain development are deviated by fetal-intrinsic, brain-based mechanisms during what is currently considered a placentally-induced maternal disease. Due to our initial results from brain-imaging and cognitive screening in a child pilot PE-F1 cohort, we developed this systematic review to answer the question of whether any consistent neurological measurements have been found to discriminate between brain functions in offspring of mothers who experienced a hypertensive pregnancy vs. offspring of mothers that did not. METHODS: Relevant studies were searched systematically up to June 2017 in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and the grey literature. RESULTS: Following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, our search identified 27 out of 464 studies reporting on neurological function in offspring born to preeclamptic and hypertensive mothers. CONCLUSION: The current literature strongly supports the conclusion of the behavioural and cognitive deviations in PE-F1s. However, only three studies associated their findings with brain measurements via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in both healthy and at-risk pediatric populations. PE-F1s should be identified as an at-risk pediatric population during brain development and studied further as a defined group, perhaps stratified by maternal plasma angiokine levels.

Doppler velocimetry in fetal rats exposed to enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) during pregnancy.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate the effects of enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) administered in prophylactic and therapeutic doses on fetal vessels in healthy pregnant Wistar rats, according to Doppler velocimetry measurements. METHODS:: Fifty animals were assigned to one of five groups: controls (saline), prophylactic and therapeutic enoxaparin (1 and 2 mg/kg/day, respectively), and prophylactic and therapeutic UFH (72 and 400 UI/kg/day, respectively). Uterine horns were examined by ultrasound for identification of live fetuses. A sample of these fetuses underwent Doppler velocimetry. Spectral curves, peak systolic velocity (PSV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) of the middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, and umbilical artery were investigated. Differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. RESULTS:: No significant differences in PSV, PI, or RI values were observed among the groups. CONCLUSION:: Doppler velocimetry measurements revealed no significant effects of enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin on fetal vessels in pregnant Wistar rats.

Doppler velocimetry in fetal rats exposed to enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) during pregnancy

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin (UFH) administered in prophylactic and therapeutic doses on fetal vessels in healthy pregnant Wistar rats, according to Doppler velocimetry measurements. Methods: Fifty animals were assigned to one of five groups: controls (saline), prophylactic and therapeutic enoxaparin (1 and 2 mg/kg/day, respectively), and prophylactic and therapeutic UFH (72 and 400 UI/kg/day, respectively). Uterine horns were examined by ultrasound for identification of live fetuses. A sample of these fetuses underwent Doppler velocimetry. Spectral curves, peak systolic velocity (PSV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) of the middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, and umbilical artery were investigated. Differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: No significant differences in PSV, PI, or RI values were observed among the groups. Conclusion: Doppler velocimetry measurements revealed no significant effects of enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin on fetal vessels in pregnant Wistar rats.

Supervisão Docente Indireta: Percepções das Pacientes em Ambulatórios de Obstetrícia e Pediatria / Indirect Faculty Supervision: Patient Perceptions in Obstetric and Pediatric Outpatient Units

RESUMO Objetivo Conhecer a percepção das pacientes sobre a consulta realizada por estudante de Medicina com supervisão docente indireta. Método Pesquisa observacional realizada com 95 gestantes do ambulatório de gestação de alto risco e 40 mães de prematuros do ambulatório de follow-up, atendidas por estudantes do quinto ou sexto ano. Utilizaram-se dois questionários semiestruturados, antes da consulta (pré-teste) e após a consulta (pós-teste), com questões objetivas e descritivas. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados em tabela de contingência, e a análise estatística foi realizada por meio do Teste Exato de Fisher. Resultados A pesquisa mostrou mudança de atitude das gestantes e das mães de prematuros na comparação entre antes e depois do atendimento da consulta pelo estudante de Medicina sob supervisão indireta, quanto ao sentimento de conforto ao ser consultada e examinada pelo estudante de Medicina e também quanto à confiança na conduta repassada pelo estudante. A análise descritiva das palavras citadas pelas gestantes antes das consultas apontou ansiedade e, depois da consulta, calma e satisfação. Já para as mães de prematuros antes da consulta, apontou preocupação, insegurança e ansiedade. Após a consulta, as palavras predominantes foram satisfação, confiança e tranquilidade. Conclusão Este estudo demonstrou mudança positiva na percepção das pacientes de ambulatório de Obstetrícia de alto risco e Pediatria atendidas com supervisão docente indireta. As pacientes também reconheceram que este modelo de atendimento médico é importante para os estudantes de Medicina como parte de sua formação.

ABSTRACT Objective To learn about patients’ views on consultations they received by medical students under indirect faculty supervision. Method Observational research conducted among 95 pregnant women under outpatient care for high risk pregnancy and 40 mothers of preterm born infants assisted through an outpatient follow-up service, under the care of fifth or sixth year student doctors. Two semi-structured questionnaires were used: prior to consultation (pre-test) and after consultation (post-test), containing objective and descriptive questions. Quantitative data were analyzed in a contingency table and statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test. Results Our data demonstrated the changing attitudes of pregnant women and mothers of preterm child comparing before and after the student doctor consultation under indirect supervision, in relation to both the sense of comfort when being consulted and examined by a medical student and confidence in the student’s conduct. The descriptive analysis of words quoted by pregnant women before the consultation indicated anxiety and, after consultation, were calmness and satisfaction. As regards the mothers of premature infants, before the consultation the KEYWORDS were: ‘worry’, ‘insecurity’ and ‘anxiety’. After the consultation the words ‘satisfaction’, ‘trust’ and ‘confidence’ predominated. Conclusion This study demonstrated a positive change in the perception of outpatients from high-risk obstetrics and pediatrics units consulted by medical students under indirect faculty supervision. Patients also recognized that this model of medical care is important for medical students’ learning as part of their training.