Contribution of proactive management of healthcare risks to the reduction of adverse events in a maternity hospital.

BACKGROUND: The risks of the childbirth assistance process are still very high, both for mothers and babies. According to the WHO, birth-related asphyxia accounts for 23% of all 3.3 million annual neonatal deaths and an even larger number of survivors with disabilities. On the other hand, maternal mortality is still a global challenge, affecting 17 mothers per 100 000 births in the USA. This is associated with the use of outdated technologies and a lack of well-defined processes in monitoring labour and early recognition of maternal clinical deterioration. METHOD: This study used Lean methodology to map the care flow for pregnant women in a Brazilian maternity hospital (Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein) in order to identify the risks within this process and a set of actions to minimise them. The work team consisted of 29 individuals, including local medical and nursing leaders, as well as healthcare professionals. The What-if tool was used to categorise the levels of risks, and the proportion of severe and catastrophic adverse events was evaluated before and after the implementation of changes. RESULTS: After the implementation of the actions, 100% of the extreme risks (28 risks) and 8% of the high risks (4 risks) were eliminated. This led to a reduction in the interval between severe/catastrophic events from 126 to 284 days, even with an increase in the average monthly number of visits from 367 to 449. Consequently, the weighted value of events decreased from 7.91 to 3.29 per 1000 patients treated, resulting in an annual cost savings of R$693 646.80 (US$139 000.00). DISCUSSION: The construction of a process based on Lean methodology was essential for mapping the involved risks and implementing a set of actions to minimise them. The participation of the healthcare team and leadership seemed to be important in choosing the measures to be adopted and their applicability. The results found can be attributed to both the established changes and the safety culture brought about by this constructive process.

The use of convalescent plasma therapy in the management of a pregnant woman with COVID-19: a case report.

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is responsible for the current worldwide pandemic. Treatment and prophylaxis are still under investigation. Convalescent plasma therapy could be an alternative. We report a case of a 41-year-old patient, at 28 weeks of gestation, was hospitalized with COVID-19. On the 10th day after onset of symptoms, the clinical picture worsened, and she required high-flow oxygen therapy (30L/minute), with 92% oxygen saturation, and chest X-ray showing mild bilateral opacities at lung bases. Blood tests showed D-dimer 1,004ng/mL, C-reactive protein 81mg/L, pro-calcitonin 0.05ng/mL and interleukine-6 42.9pg/mL. The therapy chosen was Tazocin® 12g/day, vancomycin 2g/day, and methylprednisolone 40mg/day. In addition, convalescent plasma therapy was administered (275mL) uneventfully, including SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and neutralizing antibodies >1:160. The patient had a fast recovery. The early administration of convalescent plasma, with high titers of neutralizing antibodies, may be an alternative option for severe COVID-19 during pregnancy, until further studies demonstrate an efficient and safe treatment or prophylaxis.

Premature Birth in Women with Endometriosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The objective of this study is to verify the association between endometriosis and preterm birth through systematic review and meta-analysis. Is there an increased risk of premature birth in women with endometriosis compared to women without this diagnosis? The databases searched were PubMed, Medline, and LILACS in order to identify all studies published up to April 2020, using the keywords (prematurity OR preterm birth OR premature birth OR premature labor OR obstetric premature labor OR preterm labor OR premature obstetric labor) AND (endometriosis OR adenomyosis OR endometrioma OR endometriomas). A manual research was also performed through the analysis of theses, book chapters, reference references, guidelines, and reviews. All published prospective cohort studies that reported the prevalence of preterm delivery among women with endometriosis, adenomyosis, or endometrioma were included, comparing it to the control group of women without such diagnoses. The random-effects model, the calculation of relative risk, and the confidence interval of 95% were used to perform the meta-analysis. Three studies involving 10,111 patients were included. Compared to women without endometriosis, women with endometriosis present an increased risk of premature birth (RR: 2.68, 95% CI [1.19; 6.02], I2 = 91%). In the subgroup of women with spontaneous conception, endometriosis is also a risk factor for prematurity (RR: 3.26, 95% CI [2.09; 5.09], I2 = 0%, 2 studies, 682 participants). The evidence presented suggests that women with endometriosis should be alerted to a potential risk of preterm birth. PROSPERO registration number, CRD42020189451.

The use of convalescent plasma therapy in the management of a pregnant woman with COVID-19: a case report

ABSTRACT The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is responsible for the current worldwide pandemic. Treatment and prophylaxis are still under investigation. Convalescent plasma therapy could be an alternative. We report a case of a 41-year-old patient, at 28 weeks of gestation, was hospitalized with COVID-19. On the 10th day after onset of symptoms, the clinical picture worsened, and she required high-flow oxygen therapy (30L/minute), with 92% oxygen saturation, and chest X-ray showing mild bilateral opacities at lung bases. Blood tests showed D-dimer 1,004ng/mL, C-reactive protein 81mg/L, pro-calcitonin 0.05ng/mL and interleukine-6 42.9pg/mL. The therapy chosen was Tazocin® 12g/day, vancomycin 2g/day, and methylprednisolone 40mg/day. In addition, convalescent plasma therapy was administered (275mL) uneventfully, including SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and neutralizing antibodies >1:160. The patient had a fast recovery. The early administration of convalescent plasma, with high titers of neutralizing antibodies, may be an alternative option for severe COVID-19 during pregnancy, until further studies demonstrate an efficient and safe treatment or prophylaxis.

Strategies to reduce the caesarean section rate in a private hospital and their impact.

There is a concern around the world of an increasing caesarean section rate. It was estimated that between 2010 and 2015, caesarean section rates increased by almost 50%. There are several implications for this, considering that caesarean sections are associated with higher costs and worse clinical outcomes. In this context, several interventions have been considered to increase vaginal delivery rates, including the Adequate Childbirth Project (PPA) in Brazil. This study aimed to verify the impact of the strategies adopted internally in the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE) located in São Paulo, Brazil, regarding the reduction of caesarean sections and their perinatal results. Actions to support our study were implemented in two phases based on the PPA schedule. These actions involved three axes: a multidisciplinary team, pregnant women and facility improvements. All pregnant women admitted for childbirth at the HIAE between 2014 and 2019 were included in this study. The overall rate of vaginal delivery in this study population and among primiparous women and the percentage of admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were analysed in three periods: before the implementation of PPA actions (period A), after the first phase of the project (period B) and after its second phase (period C). The results showed an increase in the average vaginal delivery rate from 23.57% in period A to 27.88% in period B, and to 30.06% in period C (AxB, p<0.001; BxC, p=0.004). There was a decrease in the average of NICU admissions over the periods (period A 19.22%, period B 18.71% and period C 13.22%); a significant reduction was observed when periods B and C (p<0.001) were compared.

Value-based care in obstetrics: comparison between vaginal birth and caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare costs have substantially increased in recent years, threatening the population health. Obstetric care is a significant contributor to this scenario since it represents 20% of healthcare. The rate of cesarean sections (C-sections) has escalated worldwide. Evidence shows that cesarean delivery is not only more expensive, but it is also linked to poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study assesses which type of delivery is associated with a higher healthcare value in low-risk pregnancies. RESULTS: A total of 9345 deliveries were analyzed. The C-section group had significantly worse rates of breastfeeding in the first hour after delivery (92.57% vs 88.43%, p < 0.001), a higher rate of intensive unit care (ICU) admission both for the mother and the newborn (0.8% vs 0.3%, p = 0.001; 6.7% vs 4.5%, p = 0.0078 respectively), and a higher average cost of hospitalization (BRL14,342.04 vs BRL12,230.03 considering mothers and babies). CONCLUSION: Cesarean deliveries in low-risk pregnancies were associated with a lower value delivery because in addition to being more expensive, they had worse perinatal outcomes.

SARS-CoV-2 and Pregnancy: A Review of the Facts.

OBJECTIVE: The present comprehensive review aims to show the full extent of what is known to date and provide a more thorough view on the effects of SARS-CoV2 in pregnancy. METHODS: Between March 29 and May, 2020, the words COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, COVID-19 and pregnancy, SARS-CoV2 and pregnancy, and SARS and pregnancy were searched in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases; the guidelines from well-known societies and institutions (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [RCOG], American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology [ISUOG], Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO]) were also included. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in a pandemic with > 3.3 million cases and 230 thousand deaths until May 2nd. It is caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus and may lead to severe pulmonary infection and multi-organ failure. Past experiences show that unique characteristics in pregnancy make pregnant women more susceptible to complications from viral infections. Yet, this has not been reported with this new virus. There are risk factors that seem to increase morbidity in pregnancy, such as obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 35), asthma and cardiovascular disease. Current reports describe an increased rate of preterm birth and C-section. Vertical transmission is still a possibility, due to a few reported cases of neonatal positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in nasal swab, amniotic fluid, and positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) in neonatal blood. Treatments must be weighed in with caution due to the lack of quality trials that prove their effectiveness and safety during pregnancy. Medical staff must use personal protective equipment in handling SARS-CoV2 suspected or positive patients and be alert for respiratory decompensations.

OBJETIVO: A presente revisão detalhada busca fornecer dados objetivos para avaliar o que se sabe até o momento e possibilitar uma visão mais ampla dos efeitos do SARS-CoV2 na gravidez. MéTODOS: Entre 29 de março e 2 de maio de 2020, foi realizada uma busca nos bancos de dados PubMed e Google Scholar com as palavras COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, COVID-19 e gravidez, SARS-CoV2 e gravidez, e SARS e gravidez. As recomendações dos principais órgãos sobre o tema também foram acessadas. CONCLUSãO: O surto de COVID-19 resultou em uma pandemia com > 3.3 milhões de casos e 230 mil mortes até 2 de maio. É uma condição causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV2 e pode levar ao acometimento pulmonar difuso e à falência de múltiplos órgãos. Características únicas da gestante tornam essa população mais propensas a complicações de infecções virais. Até o momento, essa tendência não foi observada para esse novo vírus. Os fatores que parecem estar associados à maior morbidade materno-fetal são obesidade (índice de massa corporal [IMC] > 35), asma e doença cardiovascular. Há descrição de aumento de parto prematuro e parto cesáreo. Não se pode descartar a possibilidade de transmissão vertical da doença, devido a relatos de positividade de reação em cadeia de polimerase (RT-PCR) de swab nasal, RT-PCR de líquido amniótico e imunoglobulina M (IgM) de recém-nascidos. Tratamentos devem ser analisados caso a caso, dada a falta de qualidade de estudos que comprovem a sua eficácia e segurança na gravidez. O corpo clínico deve utilizar equipamentos de proteção individual (EPI) ao manusear pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados e ficar atento aos sinais de descompensação respiratória.

SARS-CoV-2 and pregnancy: A review of the facts / SARS-CoV-2 e gestação: uma revisão dos fatos

Abstract Objective The present comprehensive review aims to show the full extent of what is known to date and provide a more thorough view on the effects of SARS-CoV2 in pregnancy. Methods Between March 29 and May, 2020, the words COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, COVID- 19 and pregnancy, SARS-CoV2 and pregnancy, and SARS and pregnancy were searched in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases; the guidelines from well-known societies and institutions (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [RCOG], American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology [ISUOG], Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO]) were also included. Conclusion The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in a pandemic with > 3.3 million cases and 230 thousand deaths until May 2nd. It is caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus and may lead to severe pulmonary infection and multi-organ failure. Past experiences show that unique characteristics in pregnancy make pregnant women more susceptible to complications from viral infections. Yet, this has not been reported with this new virus. There are risk factors that seem to increase morbidity in pregnancy, such as obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 35), asthma and cardiovascular disease. Current reports describe an increased rate of pretermbirth and C-section. Vertical transmission

Resumo Objetivo A presente revisão detalhada busca fornecer dados objetivos para avaliar o que se sabe até o momento e possibilitar uma visãomais ampla dos efeitos do SARSCoV2 na gravidez. Métodos Entre 29 demarço e 2 de maio de 2020, foi realizada uma busca nos bancos de dados PubMed e Google Scholar com as palavras COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, COVID-19 e gravidez, SARS-CoV2 e gravidez, e SARS e gravidez. As recomendações dos principais órgãos sobre o tema também foram acessadas. Conclusão O surto de COVID-19 resultou em uma pandemia com> 3.3 milhões de casos e 230 mil mortes até 2 de maio. É uma condição causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV2 e pode levar ao acometimento pulmonar difuso e à falência de múltiplos órgãos. Características únicas da gestante tornam essa população mais propensas a complicações de infecções virais. Até o momento, essa tendência não foi observada para esse novo vírus. Os fatores que parecem estar associados à maior morbidade materno-fetal são obesidade (índice demassa corporal [IMC] > 35), asma e doença cardiovascular. Há descrição de aumento de parto prematuro e parto cesáreo. Não se pode descartar a possibilidade de transmissão vertical da doença, devido a relatos de positividade de reação em cadeia de polimerase (RT-PCR) de swab nasal, RT-PCR de líquido amniótico e imunoglobulina M (IgM) de recém-nascidos. Tratamentos devem ser analisados caso a caso, dada a falta de qualidade de estudos que comprovem a sua eficácia e segurança na gravidez. O corpo clínico deve utilizar equipamentos de proteção individual (EPI) ao manusear pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados e ficar atento aos sinais de descompensação respiratória.

Reducing caesarean rates in a public maternity hospital by implementing a plan of action: a quality improvement report.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean rates increased in different parts of the world, rising from 20% to 33% in the USA and from 40% to 55% in Brazil between 1996 and 2011; however, there was no reduction in morbimortality rates. Several factors have been suggested as responsible for this increase, such as health judicialisation, fear of the painful process on the patients' part and reduction of medical training in vaginal delivery and labour complications. It is urgent to reverse this process and, therefore, a model of actions was created with the intention of engaging the team in order to reduce caesarean rates in a Brazilian hospital. METHODOLOGY: The model was based on the following actions: encouragement of labour analgesia; execution of written reports of any cardiotocographic examination; plan-do-study-act cycles for nursing orientations about the positions that favour pregnant women during labour; creation of a birth induction form; monthly feedback with physicians and nurses on caesarean rates achieved; verification of the caesarean rate by medical staff with individual feedback; daily round of medical coordination for case discussions; disclosure of caesarean rates on hospital posters; and constant dissemination of literature with strategies to reduce caesarean delivery. This plan of action started in January 2016. The mean caesarean section rate in the 31 months preceding the interventions (period A) was then compared with the 31 subsequent months (period B). RESULTS: Both periods presented caesarean rates with normal distribution. The mean caesarean rate was 29.24% (range: 38.69%-23.89%, SD 3.24%) vs 25.84% (range: 17.96%-34.97%, SD 3.92%, p<0.05), respectively, for periods A and B. CONCLUSION: After the implementation of the plan of action, there was a reduction in caesarean rates in this hospital.

The effects of sildenafil in maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The number of studies associating the use of sildenafil in gestation is increasing. This drug inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme responsible for degradation of nitric oxide, and its efficacy is greater in the placental territory, as the maternal side of the placenta have more PDE5 than other sites. For this reason, promising results have been observed related to the prevention of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction and to improvement of maternal-fetal morbidity in cases of placental insufficiency. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits of using sildenafil in pregnancy. SEARCHED STRATEGY: MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, LILACS and Cochrane databases were searched through September 2018. There was no restriction in language or year of publication. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017060288). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized clinical trials which used sildenafil for treatment or prevention of obstetric diseases compared with placebo were selected. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The results were obtained using the inverse variance method for continuous variables and Man-Whitney for categorical variables. MAIN RESULTS: Among a population of 598 pregnant women from the seven clinical trials included, 139 had pre-eclampsia, 275 had intrauterine growth restriction, and 184 had oligohydramnios. A significant increase of 222.58 grams [27.75 to 417.41] was observed in the fetal weight at birth of patients taking sildenafil. The other outcomes did not show any statistical significance. This may be due to the small number of patients used in each study and the great heterogeneity between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil could be associated with increasing fetal weight at birth in placental insufficiency despite the limitations of this meta-analysis, even though more studies in this field are needed to introduce this drug into obstetric clinical practice.

Evaluation of survivin immunoexpression in the differentiation of high- and low-grade breast ductal carcinoma in situ.

Objective To evaluate the expression of survivin protein in low- and high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. Methods Breast tissue fragments obtained by incisional biopsy and surgical procedures of 37 women with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast were subdivided into two groups: Group A, composed of women with low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ, and Group B, women with high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. Survivin protein expression test was performed by immunohistochemistry, using a monoclonal antibody clone I2C4. The criterion to evaluate survivin immunoexpression was based on the percentage of neoplastic cells that presented brown-gold staining. This criterion was positive when the percentage of stained cells was ≥10%. Results The survivin protein was expressed in 22 out of 24 cases of high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (78%), whereas, in Group A, of low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (n=13), it was positive in only 6 cases (21.40%; p=0.004). Conclusion The frequency of expression of survivin was significantly higher in the group of patients with high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ compared to those in the low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ group.

Evaluation of survivin immunoexpression in the differentiation of high- and low-grade breast ductal carcinoma in situ / Expressão da proteína survivina em carcinoma ductal in situ de mama de alto e de baixo grau

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the expression of survivin protein in low- and high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. Methods Breast tissue fragments obtained by incisional biopsy and surgical procedures of 37 women with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast were subdivided into two groups: Group A, composed of women with low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ, and Group B, women with high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. Survivin protein expression test was performed by immunohistochemistry, using a monoclonal antibody clone I2C4. The criterion to evaluate survivin immunoexpression was based on the percentage of neoplastic cells that presented brown-gold staining. This criterion was positive when the percentage of stained cells was ≥10%. Results The survivin protein was expressed in 22 out of 24 cases of high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (78%), whereas, in Group A, of low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (n=13), it was positive in only 6 cases (21.40%; p=0.004). Conclusion The frequency of expression of survivin was significantly higher in the group of patients with high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ compared to those in the low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ group.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a imunoexpressão da proteína survivina nos carcinomas ductais in situ de mama de baixo e de alto graus. Métodos Fragmentos de tecido mamários obtidos por biópsia incisional e procedimentos cirúrgicos de 37 mulheres acometidas por carcinoma ductal in situ de mama foram subdivididos em dois grupos: Grupo A, formado por mulheres com carcinoma ductal in situ de baixo grau; e Grupo B, por mulheres com carcinoma ductal in situ de alto grau. A pesquisa de expressão da proteína survivina foi realizada pela técnica de imuno-histoquímica, utilizando-se anticorpo monoclonal clone I2C4. O critério de avaliação da imunoexpressão da survivina baseou-se na percentagem de células neoplásicas que apresentava coloração castanho-dourada. Considerouse tal critério positivo quando a percentagem de células apresentasse marcação ≥10%. Resultados A proteína survivina apresentou-se expressa em 22 dos 24 casos de carcinoma ductal in situ de alto grau (78%), enquanto no Grupo A, de carcinoma ductal in situ de baixo grau (n=13), apresentou-se positiva em apenas 6 casos (21,40%; p=0,004). Conclusão O índice de frequência de expressão da survivina foi significativamente mais elevado no grupo de pacientes com carcinoma ductal in situ de alto grau, quando comparado às do grupo com carcinoma ductal in situ de baixo grau.

Expression of collagen in ovular membranes of pregnant smokers and non-smokers: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Our study compared the amount of total collagen and type I collagen in ovular membranes of pregnant smokers and non-smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 14 pregnant smokers at 24-36 weeks of gestation; 39 pregnant non-smokers between 24-36 weeks of gestation comprised the control group. The expressions of total collagen and type I collagen were analyzed using two histological sections of the fetal membranes. The assessment of total collagen was performed using the Picro-Cirius red stain, and type I collagen expression was determined by means of immunohistochemistry The Mann-Whitney test was applied to verify possible differences between the groups. RESULT: The average area covered by total collagen was lower in smokers (20630.45 microm2) as compared to non-smokers (24058.61 microm2), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.454). Comparison involving collagen type I deemed similar results (20001.33 microm2 vs. 25328.29 microm2, p = 0.158). CONCLUSION: The amount of total collagen and type I collagen was lower in ovular membranes of pregnant smokers as compared to non-smokers, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Sepse e gravidez: sabemos tratar? / Sepsis and pregnancy: do we know how to treat this situation?

Sepse é definida por síndrome da resposta inflamatória aguda secundária a um foco infeccioso. Associa-se a elevadas taxas de incidência, morbidade e mortalidade, gerando importante gastos financeiros, especialmente por causas de suas complicações, como choque séptico e disfunção de múltiplos órgãos. As toxinas dos patógenos, associadas à suscetibilidade individual, culminam com a liberação de citocinas capazes de promover resposta inflamatória aguda sistêmica, sendo esta uma das responsáveis pela disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e eventual óbito do paciente. Especificamente em relação a gestantes, as taxas de incidência e morbimortalidade são menores, dado que as mesmas representam um grupo mais jovem e com menos comorbidades. A etiologia mais comum nesse grupo é de origem polimicrobiana. A gestante apresenta particularidades fisiológicas que conferem características específicas na apresentação clínica e laboratorial da sepse nesse grupo. Assim, o melhor conhecimento dessas alterações é fundamental para melhor identificação e condução dessas pacientes. A presença do feto também confere singularidade na abordagem das mesmas. O tratamento da sepse baseia-se em algumas diretrizes que foram construídas após importantes ensaios clínicos, os quais, infelizmente, sempre tiveram as grávidas como fator de exclusão. Assim, extrapola-se o tratamento da sepse para a população em geral também para a população de gestantes, sendo as principais metas: manutenção da perfusão tecidual com reposição volêmica e drogas vasoativas (ressuscitação inicial); oxigenação adequada; controle do foco infeccioso e antibioticoterapia precoce; controle glicêmico; infusão de corticoide e transfusão sanguínea quando bem indicadas; profilaxias e, especificamente, vigilância e manutenção da vitalidade fetal.

Sepsis is defined as an acute inflammatory response syndrome secondary to an infectious focus. It has a high incidence, morbidity and mortality, causing substantial financial costs, especially due to complications such as septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction. The pathogen toxins associated with individual susceptibility culminate with cytokine release, which promotes a systemic inflammatory response that can progress to multiple organ dysfunction and eventual patient death. Specifically, sepsis incidence, morbidity and mortality are lower in pregnant women, as this group is typically younger with fewer comorbidities having a polymicrobial etiology resulting in sepsis. Pregnant women exhibit physiological characteristics that may confer specific clinical presentation and laboratory patterns during the sepsis course. Thus, a better understanding of these changes is critical for better identification and management of these patients. The presence of a fetus also requires unique approaches in a pregnant woman with sepsis. Sepsis treatment is based on certain guidelines that were established after major clinical trials, which, unfortunately, all classified pregnancy as a exclusion criteria. Thus, the treatment of sepsis in the general population has been extrapolated to the pregnant population, with the following main goals: maintenance of tissue perfusion with fluid replacement and vasoactive drugs (initial resuscitation), adequate oxygenation, control of the infection source and an early start of antibiotic therapy, corticosteroid infusion and blood transfusion when properly indicated, prophylaxis, and specifically monitoring and maintenance of fetal heath.

Sepsis and pregnancy: do we know how to treat this situation?

Sepsis is defined as an acute inflammatory response syndrome secondary to an infectious focus. It has a high incidence, morbidity and mortality, causing substantial financial costs, especially due to complications such as septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction. The pathogen toxins associated with individual susceptibility culminate with cytokine release, which promotes a systemic inflammatory response that can progress to multiple organ dysfunction and eventual patient death. Specifically, sepsis incidence, morbidity and mortality are lower in pregnant women, as this group is typically younger with fewer comorbidities having a polymicrobial etiology resulting in sepsis. Pregnant women exhibit physiological characteristics that may confer specific clinical presentation and laboratory patterns during the sepsis course. Thus, a better understanding of these changes is critical for better identification and management of these patients. The presence of a fetus also requires unique approaches in a pregnant woman with sepsis. Sepsis treatment is based on certain guidelines that were established after major clinical trials, which, unfortunately, all classified pregnancy as a exclusion criteria. Thus, the treatment of sepsis in the general population has been extrapolated to the pregnant population, with the following main goals: maintenance of tissue perfusion with fluid replacement and vasoactive drugs (initial resuscitation), adequate oxygenation, control of the infection source and an early start of antibiotic therapy, corticosteroid infusion and blood transfusion when properly indicated, prophylaxis, and specifically monitoring and maintenance of fetal heath.

Comparison of Fetal Nuchal Fold Thickness Measurements by Two- and Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography (3DXI Multislice View).

Purpose. To compare the measurements of fetal nuchal fold (NF) thickness by two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography using the three-dimensional extended imaging (3DXI). Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed with 60 healthy pregnant women with a gestational age between 16 and 20 weeks and 6 days. The 2D-NF measurements were made as the distance from the outer skull bone to the outer skin surface in the transverse axial image in the suboccipital-bregmatic plane of the head. For the 3D we employed the 3DXI multislice view software, in which 3 × 2 tomographic planes was displayed on the screen and the distance between the tomographic slices was 0.5 mm. Maximum, minimum, mean, and standard deviation were calculated for 2D and 3D ultrasonography, as well the maximum and minimum, mean, and standard deviation for the difference between both methods. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the two different techniques. Results. 2D-NF showed a mean of thickness of 3.52 ± 0.95 mm (1.69-7.14). The mean of 3D-NF was 3.90 ± 1.02 mm (2.13-7.72). The mean difference between the methods was 0.38 mm, with a maximum difference of 3.12 mm. Conclusion. The NF thickness measurements obtained by 3D ultrasonography were significantly larger than those detected with 2D ultrasonography.

Assessment of placental blood flow between 22 and 34 weeks of gestation by 3D-sonography power Doppler vascular indices.

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the vascular flow in different parts of the placenta of normal pregnant women between 22 and 34 weeks of gestation through three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography (3D power Doppler) vascular indices. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 55 normal pregnant women with gestational ages between 22 and 34 weeks. The vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were obtained using the virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) method both in the region of placental cord insertion and the peripheral region of the placenta. The Wilcoxon test was applied, adopting a significance level of 5% to evaluate possible differences in these indices between study areas. RESULTS: For the three indices examined (VI, FI and VFI), a statistically significant difference was obtained between the insertion of the umbilical cord, designated as the center, and the placental periphery on both the right (p < 0.001 for VI, p = 0.001 for FI and p < 0.001 for VFI) and the left (p < 0.001 for VI, p < 0.001 for FI and p = 0.001 for VFI), taken as the average of the rates obtained in the two peripheries (p < 0.001 for VI, p < 0.001 for FI and p = 0.003 for VFI). Differences were not found when the two peripheral areas were compared or if placenta was anterior or posterior (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a statistically significant difference between the vascular indices obtained with a 3D power Doppler at different points of the placenta.