External validation of Fetal Medicine Foundation competing-risks model for midgestation prediction of small-for-gestational-age neonates in Spanish population.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the external validity of the new Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) competing-risks model for prediction in midgestation of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective cohort study of 25 484 women with a singleton pregnancy undergoing routine ultrasound examination at 19 + 0 to 23 + 6 weeks' gestation. The FMF competing-risks model for the prediction of SGA combining maternal factors and midgestation estimated fetal weight by ultrasound scan (EFW) and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) was used to calculate risks for different cut-offs of birth-weight percentile and gestational age at delivery. The predictive performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination and calibration. RESULTS: The validation cohort was significantly different in composition compared with the FMF cohort in which the model was developed. In the validation cohort, at a 10% false-positive rate (FPR), maternal factors, EFW and UtA-PI yielded detection rates of 69.6%, 38.7% and 31.7% for SGA < 10th percentile with delivery at < 32, < 37 and ≥ 37 weeks' gestation, respectively. The respective values for SGA < 3rd percentile were 75.7%, 48.2% and 38.1%. Detection rates in the validation cohort were similar to those reported in the FMF study for SGA with delivery at < 32 weeks but lower for SGA with delivery at < 37 and ≥ 37 weeks. Predictive performance in the validation cohort was similar to that reported in a subgroup of the FMF cohort consisting of nulliparous and Caucasian women. Detection rates in the validation cohort at a 15% FPR were 77.4%, 50.0% and 41.5% for SGA < 10th percentile with delivery at < 32, < 37 and ≥ 37 weeks, respectively, which were similar to the respective values reported in the FMF study at a 10% FPR. The model had satisfactory calibration. CONCLUSION: The new competing-risks model for midgestation prediction of SGA developed by the FMF performs well in a large independent Spanish population. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Cesarean rate in selected hospital network of private sector: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: In Spain over the last two decades, cesarean section (CS) rates have increased from 15 to 25% in the Public Health Sector and from 28 to 38% in the private sector. There are multiples causes for this rise, which are often unclear. The aim of our study is to collect and analyze all the CS rates data from a hospital network of the 42 Quirónsalud Hospitals (private sector) and to assess its distribution regarding the different types of hospitals and patient characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational retrospective study between 2017 and 2018 was performed. Hospitals are classified into three groups: large hospitals (11), medium hospitals (17) and small hospitals (14). The cesarean section rate was measured by patient categorization into three groups: total deliveries, low risk cesarean sections and low risk cesarean sections without previous cesarean delivery. RESULTS: We analyzed 62,685 deliveries: 42,987 were vaginal deliveries (68.6%) and 19,698 CS (31.4%). The mean age for the total number of deliveries was 34.18 years old, whilst the mean age for the low-risk group was 34.12. Of the 19,698 CS, 18.36% (3618) were in high-risk population and 81.63% (16,080) in low risk population. 69.54% (11,183) of the low-risk CS were in patients without a previous CS. CONCLUSIONS: The overall rate of CS in the Quirónsalud group is slightly higher than the one from the Public Healthcare. The older maternal age as well as the hospital resources involved in the delivery attendance can explain this difference.

First-trimester fasting glycemia as a predictor of gestational diabetes (GDM) and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

AIMS: Studies to prevent gestational diabetes (GDM) have shown the best results when lifestyle measures have been applied early in pregnancy. We aimed to investigate whether first-trimester fasting plasma glucose (FPG) could predict GDM risk and adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from singleton pregnancies who were attended at our hospital between 2008 and 2018 (n = 27,198) was performed. We included patients with a recorded first-trimester FPG and complete pregnancy data (n = 6845). Patients under 18, with pregestational diabetes or reproductive techniques, were excluded. First-trimester FPG was evaluated as a continuous variable and divided into quartiles. GDM was diagnosed by NDDG criteria. The relationship between first- and second-trimester glucose > 92 mg/dL was also investigated. The relationship between FPG and pregnancy outcomes was assessed in 6150 patients who did not have GDM. RESULTS: Maternal age was 34.2 ± 3.9 years, BMI 23.1 ± 3.7 kg/m2 and mean FPG 83.0 ± 7.3 mg/dL. Glucose quartiles were: ≤ 78, 79-83, 84-87 and ≥ 88 mg/dL. First-trimester FPG predicted the risk of GDM (7%, 8%, 10.2% and 16% in each quartile, p < 0.001) and the risk of second-trimester glucose > 92 mg/dL (2.6%, 3.8%, 6.3% and 11.4% in each quartile, p < 0.001). FPG was significantly associated with LGA (8.2%, 9.3%, 10% and 11.7% in each quartile, p = 0.011) but not with other obstetrical outcomes. In a multivariate analysis including age, BMI, tobacco use, number of pregnancies and weight gained during pregnancy, first-trimester FPG was an independent predictor of LGA. CONCLUSIONS: First-trimester FPG is an early marker of GDM and LGA.

Epidemiología del trauma maxilofacial, tratado quirúrgicamente en el Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública: 3 años de revisión / Epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma, surgically treated in the Emergency Hospital Public Assistance: 3 years of revision

Resumen Introducción: El trauma maxilofacial (TMF) constituye un problema de relevancia en los centros hospitalarios de alta complejidad. Objetivo: Evidenciar y actualizar la epidemiología del trauma maxilofacial de resolución quirúrgica bajo anestesia general, en pabellón central tratado en el Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública durante el período comprendido entre diciembre de 2014 a diciembre de 2017 y compararla con la realidad epidemiológica de otros centros hospitalarios de alta complejidad en Chile y en el extranjero. Materiales y Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el que se analizaron los protocolos operatorios de los pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente por trauma maxilofacial, en pabellón central, bajo anestesia general, en un período de 37 meses. Las variables analizadas fueron diagnóstico, edad, género, tercio facial y zona anatómica afectada. Resultados: Se realizaron 127 procedimientos quirúrgicos, para resolver 259 fracturas. La edad promedio de los pacientes intervenidos fue de 33 años, con predominio del género masculino (85,8%); el tercio inferior fue el más afectado (77,2%), específicamente en la zona parasinfisiaria mandibular (22,4%). Discusión: Los resultados expuestos concuerdan con estudios realizados internacionalmente, pero tiene discordancia en relación a la zona anatómica más afectada al comparalo con los otros centros que analizaron su epidemiología. Conclusión: Resulta necesario continuar la investigación epidemiológica de estas patologías y unificar criterios de diagnóstico y tratamiento para poder establecer políticas de prevención y tratamiento eficientes en relación a cada servicio y en conjunto a nivel de salud pública.

Introduction: Maxillofacial trauma (MFT) is a relevant problem in highly complex hospital centers. Aim: To show and update the epidemiology of the maxillofacial trauma of surgical resolution under general anesthesia, in a major operating room, treated in the Emergency Hospital Public Assistance during the period from December 2014 to December 2017 and to compare it with the epidemiological reality of other high complexity hospital centers in Chile and abroad. Materials and Method: A retrospective study was carried out and the surgical protocols of the patients operated for maxillofacial trauma, in a major operating room, under general anesthesia, in a period of 37 months, were analyzed. The variables considered were diagnosis, age, gender, facial third and affected anatomic area. Results: 127 surgical procedures were performed, for the resolution of 259 fractures. The average age of the operated patients was 33 years, with predominance of the male gender (85.8%), the lower third was the most affected (77.2%), specifically in the parasymphysis area (22.4%). Discussion: The exposed results agree with studies carried out internationally, but it has discordance in relation to the most affected anatomical area at national level comparing it with the other hospitals that analyzed its epidemiology. Conclusion: It is necessary to continue the epidemiological investigation of these pathologies and to unify diagnostic and treatment criteria in order to establish efficient prevention and treatment policies in relation to each service and jointly at the level of public health.

Topical disposition of two strengths of a 125I-rhEGF jelly in rat skin wounds.

Growth factors have proved to be an effective therapeutic strategy. However, some controversies have arisen concerning their efficacy in topical wound treatments. Stabilization of epidermal growth factors at the wound site and long-lasting receptor occupancy are important factors for wound repair. This study evaluated the cumulative profiles of two jellies containing 10 or 20 microg of 125I-rhEGF per gram of jelly, in a rat full-thickness skin lesion model. The prolonged time-courses at the wound sites for both strengths compared with saline solutions previously evaluated using a similar skin lesion model are reported. It seems that these two topical formulations that provide more sustained amounts of 125I-rhEGF over the period of sampling, would probably achieve the required wound healing response in terms of cell proliferation, collagen deposition and protein synthesis. Further studies need to be developed in order to elucidate whether such an in vivo disposition pattern is consistent with an earlier and stronger promotion of wound healing events.

Disposition and receptor-site binding of (125)I-EGF after topical administration to skin wounds.

The rhEGF topical delivery systems have been hindered by a number of shortcomings which have led to the search of new development strategies. In this study we report the evaluation of cumulative profiles of 10, 5 and 1 microg/ml solutions of (125)I-rhEGF, in a rat full-thickness skin wound model, as well as the drug-induced modulation in the expression of the EGF receptor after lesion. The tissue-associated radioactivity, expressed as the percentage of the dose administered per grams of tissue (%D/g), peaks at 2 h after administration of all doses. (125)I-rhEGF degraded species were detected chromatographically, but no diffusion of the peptide to the surrounding skin was documented. Despite the dose, the EGF receptor expression was increased within 2 h after wounding, followed by a slow decline up to 12 h below baseline. Twelve hours after punch, differences were evident between all treated groups and control. These results demonstrate that (125)I-rhEGF saline solutions are rapidly cleared from application sites, probably by protease-driven cleavage and receptor-mediated endocytosis. Finally, we must be aware that the results herein discussed should be taken into account during the drug delivery system design in order to guarantee the necessary steady-state rhEGF levels upon wound healing process.