Outcomes of the First Pregnancy After Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of the first pregnancy after fertility-sparing surgery in patients treated for early-stage ovarian cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of women aged 18-45 years with a history of stage IA or IC ovarian cancer reported to the California Cancer Registry for the years 2000-2012. These data were linked to the 2000-2012 California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development birth and discharge data sets to ascertain oncologic characteristics and obstetric outcomes. We included in the case group ovarian cancer patients who conceived at least 3 months after fertility-sparing surgery. The primary outcome was preterm birth, and only the first pregnancy after cancer diagnosis was considered. Secondary outcomes included small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates, neonatal morbidity (respiratory support within 72 hours after birth, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, seizures, infection, meconium aspiration syndrome, birth trauma, and intracranial or subgaleal hemorrhage), and severe maternal morbidity as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Propensity scores were used to match women in a 1:2 ratio for the case group and the control group. Wald statistics and logistic regressions were used to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients who conceived after fertility-sparing surgery were matched to 306 women in a control group. Histologic types included epithelial (55%), germ-cell (37%), and sex-cord stromal (7%). Treatment for ovarian cancer was not associated with preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation (13.7% vs 11.4%; odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% CI 0.69-2.20), SGA neonates (birth weight less than the 10th percentile: 11.8% vs 12.7%; OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.50-1.66), severe maternal morbidity (2.6% vs 1.3%; OR 2.03, 95% CI 0.50-8.25), or neonatal morbidity (both 5.9% OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.44-2.28). CONCLUSION: Patients who conceived at least 3 months after surgery for early-stage ovarian cancer did not have an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes.

Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes of late- and postterm pregnancies in advanced maternal age: A national cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: There is an increase in women delivering ≥35 years of age. We analyzed the association between advanced maternal age and pregnancy outcomes in late- and postterm pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A national cohort study was performed on obstetrical low-risk women using data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry from 1999 to 2010. We included women ≥18 years of age with a singleton pregnancy at term. Women with a pregnancy complicated by congenital anomalies, hypertensive disorders or diabetes mellitus were excluded. Composite adverse perinatal outcome was defined as stillbirth, neonatal death, meconium aspiration syndrome, 5-minute Apgar score <7, neonatal intensive care unit admittance and sepsis. Composite adverse maternal outcome was defined as maternal death, placental abruption and postpartum hemorrhage of >1000 mL. RESULTS: We stratified the women into three age groups: 18-34 (n = 1 321 366 [reference]); 35-39 (n = 286 717) and ≥40 (n = 40 909). Composite adverse perinatal outcome occurred in 1.6% in women aged 18-34, 1.7% in women aged 35-39 (relative risk [RR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.03-1.08) and 2.2% in women aged ≥40 (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.29-1.47), with 5-minute Apgar score <7 as the factor contributing most to the outcome. Composite adverse maternal outcome occurred in 4.6% in women aged 18-34, 5.0% in women aged 35-39 (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06-1.10) and 5.2% in women aged ≥40 (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.19), with postpartum hemorrhage >1000 mL as the factor contributing most to the outcome. In all age categories, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes was higher for nulliparous than for multiparous women. The risk of adverse outcomes increased in both nulliparous and parous women with advancing gestational age. When adjusted for parity, onset of labor and gestational age, advanced maternal age is associated with an increase in both composite adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of adverse pregnancy outcome increases with advancing maternal age. Women aged ≥40 have an increased risk of adverse perinatal and maternal outcome when pregnancy goes beyond 41 weeks.

An Asian multicenter retrospective study on persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: incidence, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome.

Objectives: To explore the incidence, etiologies, diagnostic methods, treatment options and outcomes in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and to identify mortality risk factors in a study from six Asian countries.Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with documented PPHN from seven centers in six Asian countries (Japan, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand) between 1 January, 2014 and 31 December, 2016, was performed.Results: A total of 369 PPHN infants were identified. The incidence of PPHN ranged from 1.2 to 4.6 per 1000 live births. The all-cause mortality rate was 20.6% (76 of 369). Meconium aspiration syndrome was the primary cause of PPHN (24.1%). In most cases (84.8%) echocardiography was used to establish the diagnosis of PPHN. Sildenafil was the most commonly used pulmonary vasodilator (51.2%). Multivariate multiple regression analysis indicated gestational age <34 weeks (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.27; 95% CI 1.56-6.74), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)/lung hypoplasia (LH) (adjusted OR = 6.13 (95% CI 2.28-16.42)), treatment with high frequency oscillation ventilation (HFOV) with or without inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) (adjusted OR = 3.11 (95% CI 1.52-6.34)), and inotropic agents (adjusted OR = 9.43 (95% CI 2.71-32.83)) were independently associated with increased risk of death.Conclusions: The incidence of PPHN in the current study was higher than in western settings. Birth weight, gestational age, CDH/LH, HFOV/iNO, and inotropic agents were significant mortality risk factors.

Meconium aspiration syndrome requiring ECMO in newborns with gastroschisis: incidence and surgical outcomes.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the incidence of respiratory failure requiring ECMO in newborns with gastroschisis (GC), compare it to the incidence in the general population, review the surgical outcomes of newborns with GC requiring ECMO and compare them to newborns with GC not requiring ECMO. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all neonatal admissions for GC from December 2010 to September 2015. MAIN RESULTS: 110 newborns with GC were admitted to our NICU between 12/2010 and 9/2015; 36 were term. Four cases, all term, all prenatally diagnosed, all outborn, developed respiratory failure requiring ECMO secondary to meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). This 11% (4/36 term GC) represents a 300-fold increase in the incidence of MAS-associated respiratory failure requiring ECMO compared to the general population of term newborns (0.037%). Median time on ECMO was 12 (9-20) days. The time to achieve full enteral feedings in the GC/ECMO group was twice the time of the 106 newborns in the GC/non-ECMO group [median: 70 (48-77) vs. 35 (16-270) days, respectively]. Time to hospital discharge was three times longer in the GC/ECMO group compared to the GC/non-ECMO group (median: 42 [20-282] versus 125 [69-223] days, respectively). All patients survived. CONCLUSION: The incidence of respiratory failure requiring ECMO is remarkably higher in patients with GC than in the general population and much higher in the subgroup of term GC. While infrequent, the possibility of this event supports the concept that fetuses with GC benefit from being delivered at tertiary centers with immediate pediatric surgery and ECMO capabilities.

[Prevalence and risk factors for periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants. A systematic review]. / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de leucomalacia periventricular en recien nacidos prematuros. Revision sistematica.

INTRODUCTION: There is a huge disparity in the description of the prevalence and risk factors of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants. AIMS: To describe and compare, through a systematic review of the literature, the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants, as well as to determine the main risk factors associated with its presentation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted consulting multiple databases of the last 20 years. The search terms were: periventricular leukomalacia, prevalence, risk factors and premature birth. We included all studies that mention or led to the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia and those that referred to its risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 209 studies identified, we selected 107 studies in which the prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia was mentioned or the risk factors were described. A stratified analysis was performed for the diagnostic technique and gestational age, in addition to a narrative synthesis. Ultrasound detected a prevalence of 14.7% and magnetic resonance of 32.8%. Prevalence in children under 28 weeks was 39.6%; 27.4% in children under 32 weeks and 7.3% in children under 37 weeks. Risk factors include gestational age, intrauterine infection, premature rupture of membranes and chorioamnionitis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants is heterogeneous, increases according to the degree of prematurity and is better detected by magnetic resonance. There are multiple factors related to its presentation, the main factor is gestational age.

TITLE: Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de leucomalacia periventricular en recien nacidos prematuros. Revision sistematica.Introduccion. Existe una enorme disparidad en cuanto a la descripcion de la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo de la leucomalacia ventricular en los prematuros. Objetivos. Describir y comparar, a traves de una revision sistematica de la bibliografia, la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo de la leucomalacia periventricular en los prematuros. Sujetos y metodos. Se realizo una revision sistematica consultando multiples bases de datos de los ultimos 20 anos. Los terminos de busqueda fueron: leucomalacia periventricular, prevalencia, factores de riesgo y recien nacidos prematuros. Se incluyeron todos los estudios que senalaran o condujeran a la obtencion de la prevalencia de la leucomalacia periventricular y los que hicieran referencia a sus factores de riesgo. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 107 estudios en los que se menciono o condujo a la obtencion de la prevalencia de la leucomalacia periventricular o en los que se describian los factores de riesgo. Se efectuo un analisis estratificado para la tecnica de diagnostico y la edad gestacional, ademas de una sintesis narrativa. Ecograficamente se detecto una prevalencia del 14,7%, y con resonancia magnetica, del 32,8%. La prevalencia en menores de 28 semanas fue del 39,6%; en menores de 32 semanas, del 27,4%; y en menores de 37 semanas, del 7,3%. Entre los factores de riesgo destacan la edad gestacional, infeccion intrauterina, ruptura prematura de membranas y corioamnionitis. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de la leucomalacia periventricular en prematuros es heterogenea, aumenta segun el grado de prematuridad y se detecta mejor con resonancia magnetica; existen multiples factores relacionados con su presentacion, y el principal es la edad gestacional.

Frequency of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in Punjab Pakistan: A single centre study.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the frequency of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and its identification parameters. METHODS: The cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Obstetrics, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, from October 2013 to March 2014, and comprised all pregnant patients having symptoms suggestive of intrahepatic cholestasis which was confirmed after systemic inquiry, examination and biochemical analysis. Patients with cholestasis due to another reason, coagulopathies, thrombocytopenia and tumours were excluded. The patients were followed up till delivery to see the effects of cholestasis on mother and child. RESULTS: Out of 1001 obstetric patients, 31(3.1%) had intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Pruritus was the main symptom in 25 (85%) patients followed by rash in 20 (65%). In 20 (64%) patients, labour was induced. Mode of delivery was Caesarean Section in 18 (58%) patients and 9 (29%) had postpartum haemorrhage. Regarding neonatal complications, 22 (70%) required admission to neonatal intensive care and 15 (48%) had meconium aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: A high frequency of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was observed. It had significant impact on maternal and foetal health.

Surfactant treatment for neonatal respiratory disorders other than respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: It is suggested that there may be expanded use of surfactant replacement for the neonatal diseases such as meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), pneumonia and possibly bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics and short-term outcome of the neonates given exogenous surfactant because of the diseases other than respiratory disease syndrome (RDS). METHODS: This retrospective study included 35 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2012 to December 2012 for an expanded use of surfactant. Data related to gestational age, birth weight, gender and perinatal risk factors were obtained from the patients' records. The short-term prognosis was also noted. RESULTS: The diagnosis was sepsis in 16 patients, eight MAS, seven transient tachypnea of the newborns (TTN) and four BPD. Mean gestational age was 35.6 ± 4.5 weeks and mean birth weight was 2661 ± 981 g. Of overall cases, 65% were boys and 35% girls. The mortality rate was 17%. Of six fatal cases, three was with BPD, two with sepsis and one with MAS. CONCLUSION: We think that surfactant replacement may be life saver in the neonatal diseases other than RDS such as BPD, MAS and sepsis by rapidly improving oxygenation. Further investigation is necessary to validate the significance of expanded use of surfactant.

Predictors of mortality in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for mortality in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome. METHODS: All neonates (2004-2010) with meconium aspiration syndrome, irrespective of gestation were included. Risk factors were compared between those who died and survived. RESULTS: Out of 172 included neonates, 44 (26%) died. Mean (SD) gestation and birth weight were 37.9 (2.3) weeks and 2545 (646g), respectively. Myocardial dysfunction [aOR 28.4; 95% CI (8.0-101); P<0.001] and higher initial oxygen requirement [aOR 1.04; 95% CI (1.02-1.07); P<0.001] increased odds of dying while a higher birth weight [aOR 0.998; 95% CI (0.997-1.00); P=0.005] reduced the odds of dying. CONCLUSIONS: Meconium aspiration syndrome is associated with significant mortality. Myocardial dysfunction, birth weight, and initial oxygen requirement are independent predictors of mortality.

Maternal overweight and obesity and risks of severe birth-asphyxia-related complications in term infants: a population-based cohort study in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Maternal overweight and obesity increase risks of pregnancy and delivery complications and neonatal mortality, but the mechanisms are unclear. The objective of the study was to investigate associations between maternal body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy and severe asphyxia-related outcomes in infants delivered at term (≥37 weeks). METHODS AND FINDINGS: A nation-wide Swedish cohort study based on data from the Medical Birth Register included all live singleton term births in Sweden between 1992 and 2010. Logistic regression analyses were used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs for Apgar scores between 0 and 3 at 5 and 10 minutes, meconium aspiration syndrome, and neonatal seizures, adjusted for maternal height, maternal age, parity, mother's smoking habits, education, country of birth, and year of infant birth. Among 1,764,403 term births, 86% had data on early pregnancy BMI and Apgar scores. There were 1,380 infants who had Apgar score 0-3 at 5 minutes (absolute risk  = 0.8 per 1,000) and 894 had Apgar score 0-3 at 10 minutes (absolute risk  = 0.5 per 1,000). Compared with infants of mothers with normal BMI (18.5-24.9), the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for Apgar scores 0-3 at 10 minutes were as follows: BMI 25-29.9: 1.32 (1.10-1.58); BMI 30-34.9: 1.57 (1.20-2.07); BMI 35-39.9: 1.80 (1.15-2.82); and BMI ≥40: 3.41 (1.91-6.09). The ORs for Apgar scores 0-3 at 5 minutes, meconium aspiration, and neonatal seizures increased similarly with maternal BMI. A study limitation was lack of data on effects of obstetric interventions and neonatal resuscitation efforts. CONCLUSION: Risks of severe asphyxia-related outcomes in term infants increase with maternal overweight and obesity. Given the high prevalence of the exposure and the severity of the outcomes studied, the results are of potential public health relevance and should be confirmed in other populations. Prevention of overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age is important to improve perinatal health.

Deliveries among teenage women - with emphasis on incidence and mode of delivery: a Swedish national survey from 1973 to 2010.

BACKGROUND: Since the 1970-ies Sweden has actively developed strategies in social care, education and health care in order to counteract the negative consequences of adolescent parenthood. The aims of this study are to determine the annual incidence of singleton delivery among adolescents 1973-2010 and analyse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, using data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register was conducted. All singleton deliveries in Sweden between 1973 and 2010 were included. Totally 1,941,940 women had 3,761,576 deliveries during the period. Analyses of obstetric and neonatal outcome were restricted to 1992-2010. Adolescents were subdivided into three groups: <16 years (n = 472), 16-17 years (n = 5376), 18-19 years (n = 23560). The reference group consisted of women age 20-30 years (n = 893505). Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for confounding factors and presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The annual incidence of teenage births decreased significantly from 7.7 to 1.6%. Teenagers were more likely to deliver normally vaginally (aOR 1.70 (95%CI 1.64-1.75), less likely to have Caesarean section (aOR 0.61 (95%CI 0.58-0.64), and had a greater risk of delivering prematurely (< 28 weeks)(aOR 1.61 (95%CI 1.31-2.00), but did not have more small-for-gestational-age babies (aOR 1.07 (95%CI 0.99-1.14). Risks of placenta previa, postpartum haemorrhage > 1000 ml and perineal rupture were significantly lower among teenagers. Although the rate with Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes was similar the teenager's neonates showed less fetal distress and meconium aspiration. CONCLUSION: Adolescent births have steadily decreased in Sweden. Adolescents were more likely to be delivered vaginally than the adult women. The risks for obstetric maternal complications for adolescents were lower than for adult women except for the risk of prematurity.

Incidence and etiology of late preterm admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit and its associated respiratory morbidities when compared to term infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine etiology of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and acute morbidities in late preterm (LPT) neonates. METHODS: Neonates admitted at New York University Langone Medical Center's NICU were grouped as follows: period 1: all LPT neonates with gestational age between 34(0)/(7) and 36(6)/(7) weeks and born between January 2006 and June 2007; period 2: all term neonates born between January 2007 and June 2008. Neonatal and maternal data were collected from both the groups and compared. RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of LPT births were admitted to the NICU, compared with 7% of term births (p < 0.05). LPT neonates had an increased incidence of low birth weight, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and hyperbilirubinemia as an admission diagnosis (p < 0.001). The overall incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was 9%, 4%, 3%, 0.7%, 0.2% and 0% in 34-week, 35-week, 36-week, 37-week, 38- to 39-week, and 40-week gestational age neonates (p < 0. 001).There was an increased incidence of RDS and persistent pulmonary hypertension, along with an increased need for surfactant replacement therapy, continuous positive airway pressure, and ventilator support in the LPT group when compared with the term neonates (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LPT neonates are at increased risk for hypothermia, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and respiratory morbidity requiring increased respiratory support when compared with term neonates.

Fatores maternos e neonatais associados ao mecônio no líquido amniótico em um centro de parto normal / Meconium-stained amniotic fluid and maternal and neonatal factors associated / Factores maternos y neonatales asociados al meconio en el líquido amniótico en un centro de parto normal

OBJETIVO: Analisar a frequência e os fatores maternos e neonatais associados ao mecônio no líquido amniótico no parto. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 2.441 nascimentos em um centro de parto normal hospitalar em São Paulo, SP, em março e abril de 2005. A associação entre mecônio no líquido amniótico e as variáveis independentes (idade materna, paridade, ter ou não cesariana prévia, idade gestacional, antecedentes obstétricos, uso de ocitocina no trabalho de parto, dilatação cervical na admissão, tipo do parto atual, peso do RN, índice de Apgar de 1º e 5º minutos de vida) foi expressa como razão de prevalência. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se mecônio no líquido amniótico em 11,9% dos partos; 68,2% desses foram normais e 38,8%, cesarianas. O mecônio esteve associado a: primiparidade (RP = 1,49; IC95% 1,29;1,73), idade gestacional ≥ 41 semanas (RP = 5,05; IC95% 1,93;13,25), ocitocina no parto (RP = 1,83, IC95% 1,60;2,10), cesariana (RP = 2,65; IC95% 2,17;3,24) e índice de Apgar < 7 no 5º minuto (RP = 2,96, IC95% 2,94;2,99). A mortalidade neonatal foi 1,6/1.000 nascidos vivos; mecônio no líquido amniótico foi encontrado em 50% das mortes neonatais e associado a maiores taxas de partos cirúrgicos. CONCLUSÕES: Emprego de ocitocina, piores condições do recém-nascido logo após o parto e aumento de taxas de cesariana foram fatores associados ao mecônio. A utilização rotineira de ocitocina no intraparto poderia ser revista por sua associação com mecônio no líquido amniótico.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency and maternal and neonatal factors associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid at birth. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with 2,441 births at an in-hospital birth center in the city of São Paulo (Southeastern Brazil) in March and April, 2005. The association between meconium-stained amniotic fluid and the independent variables (maternal age, parity, previous c-section or not, gestational age, obstetric history, oxytocin use in the labor, cervical dilation at admission, mode of current delivery, newborn weight, Apgar score at the 1st and 5th minute) was expressed as prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid was verified in 11.9% of the births; 68.2% of these were normal births and 38.8% c-sections. Meconium was associated with: primiparity (PR=1.49, 95%CI 1.29; 1.73), gestational age ≥ 41 weeks (PR = 5.05, 95%CI 1.93;13.25), oxytocin in labor (PR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.60; 2.10), c- section (PR = 2.65, 95%CI 2.17; 3.24) and Apgar scores < 7 at the 5th minute (PR = 2.96, 95%CI 2,94;2,99). Neonatal mortality was 1.6/1,000 live births. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid was found in 50% of neonatal deaths and it was associated with higher rates of surgical deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: Oxytocin use, worse conditions of the newborn after the delivery and increased c-section rates were factors associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Routine use of oxytocin in the intrapartum period could be evaluated due to its association with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la frecuencia y los factores maternos y neonatales asociados al meconio en el líquido amniótico en el parto. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 2.441 nacimientos en un centro de parto normal hospitalario en Sao Paulo, SP, en marzo y abril de 2005. La asociación entre meconio en el líquido amniótico y las variables independientes (edad materna, paridad, tener o no cesárea previa, edad de gestación, antecedentes obstétricos, uso de ocitocina en el trabajo de parto, dilatación cervical en la admisión, tipo de parto actual, peso del RN, índice de Apgar de 1º y 5º minutos de vida) fue expresada como el cociente de prevalencia. RESULTADOS: Se verificó meconio en el líquido amniótico en 11,9% de los partos; 68,2% de estos fueron normales y 38,8%, con cesárea. El meconio estuvo asociado a: primiparidad (RP = 1,49; IC95% 1,29;1,73), edad de gestación ≥ 41 semanas (RP = 5,05; IC95% 1,93;13,25), ocitocina en el parto (RP = 1,83, IC95% 1,60;2,10), cesárea (RP = 2,65; IC95% 2,17;3,24) e índice de Apgar < 7 no 5º minuto (RP = 2,96, IC95% 2,94;2,99). La mortalidad neonatal fue 1.6/1.000 nacidos vivos; meconio en el líquido amniótico fue encontrado en 50% de las muertes neonatales y asociado a mayores tasas de partos quirúrgicos. CONCLUSIONES: Empleo de ocitocina, peores condiciones del recién-nacido posterior al parto y aumento de tasas de cesárea fueron factores asociados al meconio. La utilización rutinaria de ocitocina en el intraparto podría ser revisada por su asociación con meconio en el líquido amniótico.

Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: population based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, taking into account maternal characteristics and assisted reproductive technology. DESIGN: Population based cohort study. SETTING: Singleton births registered in the Swedish medical birth register between 1995 and 2007. PARTICIPANTS: By linkage with the Swedish patient register, 3787 births among women with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome and 1,191,336 births among women without such a diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, stillbirth, neonatal death, low Apgar score (<7 at five minutes), meconium aspiration, large for gestational age, macrosomia, small for gestational age), adjusted for maternal characteristics (body mass index, age), socioeconomic factors (educational level, and cohabitating with infant's father), and assisted reproductive technology. RESULTS: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome were more often obese and more commonly used assisted reproductive technology than women without such a diagnosis (60.6% v 34.8% and 13.7% v 1.5%). Polycystic ovary syndrome was strongly associated with pre-eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.24 to 1.69) and very preterm birth (2.21, 1.69 to 2.90) and the risk of gestational diabetes was more than doubled (2.32, 1.88 to 2.88). Infants born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome were more prone to be large for gestational age (1.39, 1.19 to 1.62) and were at increased risk of meconium aspiration (2.02, 1.13 to 3.61) and having a low Apgar score (<7) at five minutes (1.41, 1.09 to 1.83). CONCLUSIONS: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes that cannot be explained by assisted reproductive technology. These women may need increased surveillance during pregnancy and parturition.

Trends in obstetric practices and meconium aspiration syndrome: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine trends in the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), and maternal factors and obstetric practices associated with any decline. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. SETTING: New South Wales (NSW), Australia. POPULATION: All 877 037 liveborn, singleton, term infants (≥ 37 weeks of gestation) in the period 1997-2007. METHODS: Data were obtained from birth records linked to the neonatal hospital discharge records. The birth data provided information on maternal and obstetric factors, whereas the outcome of interest, MAS, was obtained from hospital data on the neonates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of MAS while simultaneously adjusting for the explanatory variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of MAS per 1000 births, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for maternal and obstetric factors for the development of MAS. RESULTS: The incidence of MAS declined significantly by 11.3% per annum (95% CI 10.1-12.6; P < 0.001) from 4.1 per 1000 births in 1997 to 1.3 per 1000 births in 2007. This was associated with a statistically significant decline in risk factors: maternal smoking (from 20 to 12%), gestational age (from 57 to 47% ≥ 40 weeks of gestation), delivery at small hospitals (from 15 to 9%) and infants with birthweight below the third percentile (from 3.3 to 2.4%). There were simultaneous statistically significant increases in practices that reduce the risk of MAS: labour inductions (from 22 to 27%) and birth by caesarean section, both elective, prior to 40 weeks of gestation (from 7.3 to 13.8%), and emergency (from 3.0 to 5.3% prior to 40 weeks of gestation, and from 5.1 to 6.7% at 40 weeks of gestation or later). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of MAS is declining, and this decline is associated with a reduction in maternal and pregnancy risk factors, and an increase in protective obstetric practices.

[Respiratory disorders in preterm and term neonates: an update on diagnostics and therapy]. / Respiratorische Erkrankungen bei Früh- und Neugeborenen - Aktuelle Diagnostik und Therapie.

Respiratory disorders remain a major problem in postnatal adaptation. In term neonates, an increased incidence of the risk for transient tachypnoea of the neonate has been observed during the past decade, most likely secondary to an increased usage of primary Caesarean section. The disorder is mainly caused by a delayed resorption of foetal lung fluid. Further disorders in term neonates include meconium aspiration syndrome and congenital diaphragmatic hernia leading to impaired gas exchange and pulmonary hypertension. In preterm neonates, respiratory distress syndrome is the main disorder leading to severe acute and long-term impaired gas exchange. Prenatal administration of glucocorticoids and postnatal surfactant therapy remains an established principle in perinatal care for very preterm neonates. The most relevant long-term sequelae, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, is currently being observed in about 15% of preterms with less than 32 weeks of gestation and is associated with severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary consequences. Due to the overall improvement in perinatal care, respiratory disorders still remain a major problem in pulmonary adaptation. However, mortality secondary to neonatal lung failure has been decreased substantially by the improvements in the whole field of perinatal medicine.

Meconium aspiration delays normal decline of pulmonary vascular resistance shortly after birth through lung parenchymal injury.

BACKGROUND: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is often associated with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) or perinatal asphyxia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of meconium or asphyxia on pulmonary arterial pressure and circulating levels of vasoactive substances, we conducted a prospective study of 54 term infants, including infants with meconium-stained amniotic fluid with normal (MSAF) or abnormal (MAS) chest X-ray findings, infants with perinatal asphyxia, and controls. The purpose of this study was to determine the group most likely to have elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and a disturbed balance between vasoactive substances. METHODS: To estimate the pulmonary arterial pressure by echocardiography, we used the ratio of the right to left systolic ventricular pressure (RVP/LVP ratio). We measured the plasma concentrations of endothelin-1 (ET-1), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) as an indicator of nitric oxide (NO) production, and 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1)α (6-keto-PGF(1)α) for the estimation of prostacyclin concentration. We also measured KL-6 as a marker of lung injury. RESULTS: The RVP/LVP ratio was significantly higher in the MAS group than the other groups on day 0. Although ET-1 and 6-keto-PGF(1)α levels were comparable among all groups, the cGMP level on days 3-5 and the KL-6 level throughout the first postnatal week were significantly higher in the MAS group. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that meconium aspiration delays normal decline of pulmonary vascular resistance shortly after birth through lung parenchymal injury. The subsequent increase of cGMP in MAS may be an adaptive response to prevent further elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure by inducing NO.

Respiratory causes of infant mortality: progress and challenges.

A marked reduction in infant mortality due to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been reported in previous studies; however, deaths due to RDS are still more common in black infants than white infants. Because advances in respiratory care may have impacted non-RDS respiratory causes of infant mortality as well, the objective of this study was to determine if specific and total non-RDS respiratory causes of infant mortality have changed over time, and if health disparities exist. We analyzed and compared infant deaths due to RDS and other respiratory diseases from 1980 to 2005 in the United States and evaluated outcomes by race and gender. Infant mortality due to non-RDS causes declined more than twofold over this time frame, but not as dramatically as the fivefold decline in RDS deaths. Black compared with white infants had twice the mortality rate due to non-RDS respiratory causes. The most common non-RDS respiratory cause of infant mortality was due to congenital malformations of the respiratory tract, which did not change dramatically over the 25 years studied.

Síndrome de dificultad respiratoria asociado a líquido amniótico meconial en recién nacidos de término y postérmino: incidencia, factores de riesgos y morbimortalidad / Respiratory distress syndrome associated to meconial amniotic fluid in posterm and term newborns: incidence, risk factors and morbimortality

Introducción. El líquido amniótico meconial (LAM) se presenta en 5 a 30 por ciento en recién nacidos de término y postérmino, entre el 2 al 10 por ciento desarrollan síndrome de aspiración de líquido amniótico meconial (SALAM). La mortalidad asociada es del 4 al 40 por ciento. Los factores de riesgo para la aparición de SALAM son: el aumento en la consistencia del LAM, alteraciones en el monitoreo fetal, las cesáreas, menos de 5 controles prenatales, el sexo masculino, score de Apgar menor a 7 y el oligoamnios. El LAM aumenta el riesgo de síndrome de dificultad respiratoria (SDR) en recién nacidos de término y postérmino. Objetivos. Estimar la incidencia de LAM y SALAM en RN de término o postérmino. Comparar el riesgo de SDR en RN con LAM con aquellos RN con líquido amniótico claro (LAC). Analizar los factores de riesgos asociados a SALAM. Población y muestra. Criterios de inclusión: Casos: 1.150 RN >37 semanas de EG con LAM. Controles: 2.300 RN >37 semanas de EG con LAC. Criterios de exclusión: RN <37 semanas de EG, hijo de madre diabética o hipertensa, RN con malformaciones, madre con corioamnionitis, recién nacido pequeño para edad gestacional. Resultados. Sobre un total de 10.332 RN vivos durante el período de estudio en la Maternidad Sardá, 1.150 presentaron líquido amniótico meconial, que corresponde a una incidencia del 11,1%. Se observó una mayor asociación de SALAM a mayor edad gestacional. La incidencia de SALAM fue del 3,9 por ciento y la presencia de SDR en RN con líquido amniótico claro fue del 1,3 por ciento (RR: 2,5 [IC 95 por ciento 1,3-3,7]). En presencia de LAM se evidenció SDR con más severidad, más presencia de escapes de aire, menor puntaje de Apgar y mayor mortalidad. En el análisis del subgrupo con SDR encontramos un menor control prenatal, menor puntaje de Apgar al 5to minuto, prevalencia del sexo masculino, mayores complicaciones y mortalidad en el grupo con líquido amniótico meconial...