In utero exposure to maternal diabetes or hypertension and childhood hypothalamic gliosis.

Exposure to maternal diabetes (DM) or hypertension (HTN) during pregnancy impacts offspring metabolic health in childhood and beyond. Animal models suggest that induction of hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis in the offspring's hypothalamus is a possible mechanism mediating this effect. We tested, in children, whether in utero exposures to maternal DM or HTN were associated with mediobasal hypothalamic (MBH) gliosis as assessed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study included a subsample of 306 children aged 9-11 years enrolled in the ABCD Study®; 49 were DM-exposed, 53 were HTN-exposed, and 204 (2:1 ratio) were age- and sex-matched children unexposed to DM and/or HTN in utero. We found a significant overall effect of group for the primary outcome of MBH/amygdala (AMY) T2 signal ratio (F(2,300):3.51, p = 0.03). Compared to unexposed children, MBH/AMY T2 signal ratios were significantly higher in the DM-exposed (ß:0.05, p = 0.02), but not the HTN-exposed children (ß:0.03, p = 0.13), findings that were limited to the MBH and independent of adiposity. We concluded that children exposed to maternal DM in utero display evidence of hypothalamic gliosis, suggesting that gestational DM may have a distinct influence on offspring's brain development and, by extension, children's long-term metabolic health.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Position Statement: Extending Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum.

Position: The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine supports federal and state policies that expand Medicaid eligibility and extend Medicaid coverage through 12 months postpartum to address the maternal morbidity and mortality crisis and improve health equity. Access to coverage is essential to optimize maternal health following pregnancy and childbirth and avoid preventable causes of maternal morbidity and mortality that extend throughout the first year postpartum. The Society opposes policies such as work requirements or limitations on coverage for undocumented individuals that unnecessarily impose restrictions on Medicaid eligibility.

The association between parental SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVES: Although the relationship between maternal viral infections and fetal growth restriction (FGR) is well established, the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and FGR remains unclear. We investigated the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and FGR at a single county hospital. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study with cohorts matched by gestational age and month of SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing between April 2020 and July 2022. Individuals were included if they had a SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing up to 32 weeks of gestation and had a third trimester ultrasound. Primary outcome was a diagnosis of FGR, while secondary outcomes were rates of preeclampsia, small for gestational age (SGA) and birthweight. Univariate analyses, chi-square test and logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: Our cohorts constituted of 102 pregnant individuals with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result and 103 pregnant individuals with a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result in pregnancy. FGR rates were 17.8 % and 19.42 % among positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 cohorts respectively. While a statistical difference in preeclampsia rates was noted (34.31 % vs. 21.36 %, p=0.038) between cohorts, odds of getting preeclampsia based on SARS-CoV-2 test result was not significant (aOR 1.01, CI=0.97-1.01, p=0.75). No statistical difference was noted in demographics, FGR and SGA rates, and birthweight. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest no association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and FGR at a single institution. Our results validate emerging data that additional fetal growth ultrasonographic assessment is not indicated solely based on SARS-CoV-2 infection status.

Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as Important Risk Factors for Gestational Metabolic Dysfunction.

Gestational metabolic diseases adversely impact the health of pregnant persons and their offspring. Pregnant persons of color are impacted disproportionately by gestational metabolic disease, highlighting the need to identify additional risk factors contributing to racial-ethnic pregnancy-related health disparities. Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders in nonpregnant persons, making them important factors to consider when identifying contributors to gestational metabolic morbidity and mortality health disparities. Here, we review current literature investigating trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder as psychosocial risk factors for gestational metabolic disorders, inclusive of gestational diabetes, low birth weight and fetal growth restriction, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. We also discuss the physiological mechanisms by which trauma and PTSD may contribute to gestational metabolic disorders. Ultimately, understanding the biological underpinnings of how trauma and PTSD, which disproportionately impact people of color, influence risk for gestational metabolic dysfunction is critical to developing therapeutic interventions that reduce complications arising from gestational metabolic disease. KEY POINTS: · Gestational metabolic diseases disproportionately impact the health of pregnant persons of color.. · Trauma and PTSD are associated with increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders in nonpregnant per.. · Trauma and PTSD impact physiological cardiometabolic mechanisms implicated in gestational metabolic..

The Association between Sickle Cell Disease and Postpartum Severe Maternal Morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) from the delivery admission to 42 days' postdischarge among persons with sickle cell disease (SCD) to those without SCD. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included deliveries ≥20 weeks' gestation at an urban safety net hospital in Atlanta, GA from 2011 to 2019. The exposure was SCD diagnosis. The outcome was a composite of SMM from the delivery admission to 42 days' postdischarge. SMM indicators as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions (ICD-9/10) codes; transfusion of blood products and sickle cell crisis were excluded. RESULTS: Of N = 17,354 delivery admissions, n = 92 (0.53%) had SCD. Persons with SCD versus without SCD had an increased risk of composite SMM (15.22 vs. 2.29%, p < 0.001), acute renal failure (6.52 vs. 0.71%, p < 0.001), acute respiratory distress syndrome (4.35 vs. 0.17%, p < 0.001), puerperal cerebrovascular disorders (3.26 vs. 0.10%, p < 0.001), sepsis (4.35 vs. 0.42%, p < 0.01), air and thrombotic embolism (5.43 vs. 0.10%, p < 0.001), and ventilation (2.17 vs. 0.09%, p < 0.01). Ultimately, those with SCD had an approximately 6-fold higher incidence risk ratio of SMM, which remained after adjustment for confounders (adjusted incidence risk ratio [aIRR]: 5.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.4-9.19, p < 0.001). Persons with SCD in active vaso-occlusive crisis at the delivery admission had an approximately 9-fold higher risk of SMM up to 42 days' postdischarge compared with those with SCD not in crisis at the delivery admission (incidence: 25.71 vs. 8.77%, p < 0.05; aIRR: 8.92, 95% CI: 4.5-10.04, p < 0.05). Among those with SCD, SMM at the delivery admission was primarily related to renal and cerebrovascular events, whereas most postpartum SMM was related to respiratory events or sepsis. CONCLUSION: SCD is significantly associated with an increased risk of SMM during the delivery admission and through 42 days' postdischarge. Active crisis at delivery further increases the risk of SMM. KEY POINTS: · Sickle cell disease was associated with an approximately 6-fold increased risk of SMM.. · Active vaso-occlusive crisis at delivery was associated with an approximately 9-fold increased risk of SMM.. · 48% of SMM events in persons with SCD occurred postpartum and were respiratory- or sepsis-related..

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline: Developing a Diabetes Mellitus Comprehensive Care Plan-2022 Update.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide updated and new evidence-based recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes mellitus to clinicians, diabetes-care teams, other health care professionals and stakeholders, and individuals with diabetes and their caregivers. METHODS: The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology selected a task force of medical experts and staff who updated and assessed clinical questions and recommendations from the prior 2015 version of this guideline and conducted literature searches for relevant scientific papers published from January 1, 2015, through May 15, 2022. Selected studies from results of literature searches composed the evidence base to update 2015 recommendations as well as to develop new recommendations based on review of clinical evidence, current practice, expertise, and consensus, according to established American Association of Clinical Endocrinology protocol for guideline development. RESULTS: This guideline includes 170 updated and new evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes. Recommendations are divided into four sections: (1) screening, diagnosis, glycemic targets, and glycemic monitoring; (2) comorbidities and complications, including obesity and management with lifestyle, nutrition, and bariatric surgery, hypertension, dyslipidemia, retinopathy, neuropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease; (3) management of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes with antihyperglycemic pharmacotherapy and glycemic targets, type 1 diabetes with insulin therapy, hypoglycemia, hospitalized persons, and women with diabetes in pregnancy; (4) education and new topics regarding diabetes and infertility, nutritional supplements, secondary diabetes, social determinants of health, and virtual care, as well as updated recommendations on cancer risk, nonpharmacologic components of pediatric care plans, depression, education and team approach, occupational risk, role of sleep medicine, and vaccinations in persons with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This updated clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to assist with person-centered, team-based clinical decision-making to improve the care of persons with diabetes mellitus.

Cancer and Pregnancy: National Trends.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer and pregnancy are likely increasing; however, updated estimates are needed to optimally address the unique needs of this patient population. The study aims to estimate the prevalence of cancer and cancer survivorship at delivery, to test the change in odds of cancer and cancer survivorship at delivery over the 10-year period, and to compare medical conditions, serious events, and obstetric complications between pregnancies with and without cancer at delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest all-payer inpatient health database in the United States. We identified delivery admissions from 2004 to 2013 with a concurrent diagnosis of cancer using International Classification of Disease, ninth revision (ICD-9) codes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the change in prevalence of concurrent cancer, cancer survivorship, and pregnancy and to compare outcomes between deliveries with and without cancer. All analyses were adjusted for NIS-provided population weights and strata. RESULTS: During the study period, the NIS represented a national estimate of 40,855,208 deliveries. The odds of cancer increased from 3.41/10,000 deliveries in 2004 to 4.33/10,000 in 2013. This trend was statistically significant, including after adjustment for maternal age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.04]). Cancer survivorship at delivery increased significantly (aOR = 1.07 [95% CI: 1.06-1.08]). Women with cancer more often experienced one or more of the following: death, ventilation, cardiac arrest, sepsis, or acute respiratory or renal failure during delivery (aOR for composite outcome 10.7 [95% CI: 6.6-17.2]), even after adjustment in a multivariable logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: The odds of cancer and cancer survivorship at delivery increased from 2004 to 2013, independent of maternal age. Women with cancer were more likely to experience medical or obstetric complications during their delivery compared with women without cancer. These findings highlight the importance of obstetric and oncologic clinical and research collaboration to improve patient care. KEY POINTS: · The odds of cancer at delivery increased.. · Women with cancer may have delivery complications.. · Cancer survivorship at delivery increased..

Low fetal fraction in obese women at first trimester cell-free DNA based prenatal screening is not accompanied by differences in total cell-free DNA.

OBJECTIVE: Reasons for first trimester noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) test failure in obese women remain elusive. As dilution from maternal sources may be explanatory, we determined the relationship between obesity, fetal fraction (FF), and total cell-free DNA (cfDNA) using our NIPS platform. METHODS: We assessed differences in first trimester (≤14 weeks) FF, indeterminate rate, and total cfDNA between obese (n = 518) and normal-weight women (n = 237) after exclusion of confounders (anticoagulation, autoimmunity, aneuploidy) and controlling for covariates. RESULTS: Fetal fraction was lower, and the indeterminate rate higher, in obese compared to controls (9.2% ± 4.4 vs. 12.5% ± 4.5, p < 0.001 and 8.4 vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001, respectively), but total cfDNA was not different (92.0 vs. 82.1 pg/µl, p = 0.10). For each week, the FF remained lower in obese women (all p < 0.01) but did not increase across the first trimester for either group. Obesity increased the likelihood of indeterminate result (OR 6.1, 95% CI 2.5, 14.8; p < 0.001) and maternal body mass index correlated with FF (ß -0.27, 95% CI -0.3, -0.22; p < 0.001), but not with total cfDNA (ß 0.49, 95% CI -0.55, 1.53; p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: First trimester obese women have persistently low FF and higher indeterminate rates, without differences in total cfDNA, suggesting placental-specific mechanisms versus dilution from maternal sources as a potential etiology.

Hepatic Complications in Preeclampsia.

In cases of preeclampsia with severe features and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome, hepatic complications portend significant short-term and long-term maternal health implications. In this section, we will discuss the physiology of normal hepatic function in pregnancy, the pathophysiology of the abnormalities noted in hepatic function during the process of preeclampsia development, the diagnosis and management of preeclampsia, imitators of HELLP syndrome, the utility of various biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of the preeclampsia disease spectrum, possible underlying genetic factors predisposing women to developing hepatic abnormalities with preeclampsia, and finally prognosis and management of a subcapsular hematoma.

Evaluating Relationships between Visceral Fat Measures and Adipokines Concentrations among Women with a History of Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate associations between postpartum plasma adipokine concentrations among women with a history of preeclampsia (PE) without severe features (MPE), PE with severe features (SPE), and no PE (NPE). We also investigated relationships between adipokines and computed tomography (CT)-quantified measures of visceral fat (VF) area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SCFA). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a previously performed cross-sectional study at our institution. Women with and without a history of PE were recruited in 10 years after delivery. VFA and SCFA measures were performed by CT scan. Anthropometric data and peripheral blood samples from subjects were collected concurrently. RESULTS: Plasma adiponectin concentrations (µg/mL) were significantly lower among MPE (18.5 ± 7.1) compared with NPE (27.3 ± 13.8) and SPE (25.7 ± 9.6). Leptin (p = 0.32) and resistin (p = 0.93) concentrations were similar among the groups. Adiponectin concentrations more closely aligned with VFA (ß = -0.001, p = 0.03), while resistin concentrations trended toward correlating with SCFA (ß = 0.02, p = 0.05). Leptin was not preferential to VFA or SCFA. CONCLUSION: VF distribution may contribute to the variation in PE phenotype. Adiponectin specifically may be a promising marker representing VFA.

Is Foley Catheter Use during a Trial of Labor after Cesarean Associated with Uterine Rupture?

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the safety of transcervical Foley catheter (TCF) placement for cervical ripening in women undergoing induction of labor (IOL) after prior cesarean by evaluating the risk of uterine rupture. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit's Cesarean Section Registry, a prospective observational cohort study. We included women with a history of ≤2 low-transverse cesarean deliveries who underwent IOL at ≥24 weeks of gestational age with a live singleton fetus without major anomalies. We excluded those who received prostaglandins or laminaria. We performed multinomial logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for uterine rupture and dehiscence. Relevant confounders included prior vaginal delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnionitis, and cervical effacement and dilation on admission. RESULTS: A total of 2,564 women were eligible. Unadjusted analysis demonstrated no increased risk of uterine rupture with TCF (1.9 vs. 0.9%; p = 0.10) but an increased risk of uterine dehiscence (1.9 vs. 0.6%; p = 0.02). After adjustment, TCF was not associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture (aOR: 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-5.78) or uterine scar dehiscence (aOR: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.37-4.72). CONCLUSION: Foley catheter is a safe tool for mechanical dilation in women undergoing IOL after prior cesarean.

Long-term consequences of obesity on female fertility and the health of the offspring.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obesity has reached near epidemic levels among reproductive age women with a myriad of consequences. Obesity adversely affects the maternal milieu by creating conditions that decrease fertility and increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertensive disease in pregnancy, fetal growth abnormalities and congenital anomalies. The effects of obesity are not limited to pregnancy. Indeed, beyond the immediate postpartum period, obese women maintain a higher prevalence of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. In this article, we will review the pathophysiology underlying the effects of obesity on fertility, pregnancy outcome and health status of offspring. The purpose of this review is to outline proposed models responsible for the short-term and long-term consequences of obesity on fertility and offspring development, and identify knowledge gaps where additional research is needed. RECENT FINDINGS: Maternal over or under nutrition adversely affect maternal reproductive capacity and pregnancy success. Separate from effects on maternal reproductive function, maternal over or under nutrition may also 'program' fetal pathophysiology through inheritance mechanisms that suggest epigenetic modification of DNA, differential RNA translation and protein expression, or modification of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary axis function through programmed adverse effects on the developing hypothalamic circuitry. The concept of maternal health modifying the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases in the offspring is based on Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis. SUMMARY: Of importance, the long-term effects of obesity are not limited to maternal health, but also programs pathophysiology in their offspring. Children of obese gravida are at increased risk for the development of cardiometabolic disease in childhood and throughout adulthood. Future studies directly interrogating mechanisms underlying the risks associated with obesity will allow us to develop interventions and therapies to decrease short-term and long-term morbidities associated with maternal obesity.

Cell-free DNA screening and sex chromosome aneuploidies.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing is increasingly being used to screen pregnant women for fetal aneuploidies. This technology may also identify fetal sex and can be used to screen for sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs). Physicians offering this screening will need to be prepared to offer comprehensive prenatal counseling about these disorders to an increasing number of patients. The purpose of this article is to consider the source of information to use for counseling, factors in parental decision-making, and the performance characteristics of cfDNA testing in screening for SCAs. Discordance between ultrasound examination and cfDNA results regarding fetal sex is also discussed.

Antenatal corticosteroid administration: understanding its use as an obstetric quality metric.

OBJECTIVE: In 1994, the National Institutes of Health recommended a full course of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) to women who were at risk of delivery at 24-32 weeks of gestation. In 2010, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization incorporated ACS administration rates as a perinatal core quality measure. The objective of this study is (1) to assess ACS administration rates among eligible patients at a tertiary care center and (2) to identify modifiable factors to optimize administration rates. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of preterm deliveries at <37 weeks of gestation from July 2009 to July 2011 was performed. Hospital level data, delivery information, obstetric history, and neonatal outcomes were abstracted. Categoric variables were compared with the use of the χ(2) test. Continuous variables were compared with the use of a 2-sample t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum, or Kruskal Wallis tests. RESULTS: Nine hundred four women had preterm delivery; 38% of them delivered from 24-34 weeks of gestation. Of the eligible patients, 81.3% received at least 1 dose of ACS, and 69.6% received both doses before delivery. The median time from evaluation to ACS administration was 2.6 hours (interquartile range, 1.6-4.8 hours). Thirty-three percent of the patients who did not receive ACS had had a previous triage visit within 2 weeks of delivery (66.6% of them were evaluated for symptoms of preterm labor) vs 2.8% for those women who received ACS. CONCLUSION: Of the eligible patients, 81.3% received at least 1 dose of ACS. Tangible opportunities that were identified for systems-based improvement in ACS administration rates included decreasing the time interval from patient evaluation to ACS administration and standardizing outpatient follow-up evaluation for patients who were discharged with symptoms of preterm labor.

Chronic hypertension diagnosed by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria is associated with increased risk of developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: ACOG uses a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 documented at <20 weeks of gestation to define chronic hypertension. In the nonpregnant state, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) define chronic hypertension using lower diagnostic thresholds of SBP ≥130 or DBP ≥80. It remains unclear whether using more conservative guidelines in pregnancy improves identification of those at risk for gestational hypertension (GHTN) or preeclampsia (PRE). OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate whether subjects with chronic hypertension based on the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria had an increased risk for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia than those without chronic hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing a clinical database at a diverse, large urban, safety-net hospital. Subjects aged 18 to 40 years with singleton gestations and first trimester prenatal care were included. We defined subjects that met the criteria for stage 1 chronic hypertension based on first trimester systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure cutoffs satisfying the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria (systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg). Those who did not meet these criteria had a systolic blood pressure <130 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg. We did not include those with chronic hypertension based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria in this cohort (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg at <20 weeks); therefore, those who met the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria solely consisted of subjects with systolic blood pressure of 130 to 139 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of 80 of 89 mm Hg. By doing this, we were able to specifically investigate the increased risk for this specific population, which remains unclear. Diagnoses of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were based on the established American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria. Preeclampsia included those with and without severe features. Tests for normality were performed. Student t-tests or rank sum tests were performed as appropriate for continuous variables; chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were performed for categorical variables. Generalized linear models were performed to calculate risk ratios while controlling for appropriate confounders. RESULTS: Of N=3354 subjects, 18% (n=629) were diagnosed with stage 1 chronic hypertension based on American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria. Those with American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology stage 1 chronic hypertension had increased rates of gestational hypertension (35.4% vs 20%; P<.001) and preeclampsia (22.3% vs 10%; P<.001) than those without Stage 1 chronic hypertension based on these criteria. When controlling for maternal age, race, first trimester body mass index, pregestational diabetes, and substance use, those with the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology stage 1 chronic hypertension had an almost 1.5-fold higher adjusted risk ratio of experiencing gestational hypertension (adjusted risk ratio, 1.49±0.10; P<.001) and almost 2-fold increased adjusted risk ratio of experiencing preeclampsia (adjusted risk ratio, 1.98±0.19; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest an increased risk for developing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia for subjects satisfying the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology cutoff for stage 1 chronic hypertension. Future studies need to consider whether diagnosis of chronic hypertension in pregnancy should conform with American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria, and if those with stage 1 chronic hypertension based on American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria require the same preventative measures and interventions utilized by those diagnosed by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria.

Are we making a mountain out of a mole hill? A call to appropriate interpretation of clinical trials and population-based studies.

The volume of scientific articles being published continues to grow. Simultaneously, the ease with which both patients and providers can access scholarly articles is also increasing. One potential benefit of easy accessibility is broader awareness of new evidence. However, with a large volume of literature, it is often difficult to thoroughly review each article. Therefore, busy clinicians and inquisitive patients may often read the conclusion as their take-away message. In this article, we provide an overview of a few challenging study designs that are at increased risk for over- or understating conclusions, potentially leading to changes in clinical practice.

Validation of a scoring system to identify women with near-miss maternal morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a five-factor scoring system that identifies parturients who experience near-miss morbidity. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: This study was conducted in an urban, tertiary care hospital over a 2-year period. A narrative case summary was prepared for women with high potential for significant obstetric morbidity. The summary was then reviewed by three physicians, and the extent of morbidity was assigned based on subjective assessment. The same cases were then scored using the proposed five-factor scoring system previously described by Geller et al. Test characteristics of the scoring system were assessed. RESULTS: Eight hundred fifteen cases with a high potential for significant morbidity were identified. Subjective review and the scoring system classified 4.5% and 4.2% as near-miss morbidity, respectively, with the scoring system having a corresponding sensitivity of 81.1% (95% confidence interval 64.8 to 92.0%) and a specificity of 99.5% (95% confidence interval 98.7 to 99.9%). CONCLUSION: The scoring system produced similar results to those obtained at its initial development and demonstrated acceptable sensitivity and specificity for identifying near-miss morbidity.

The Significance of Hypothalamic Inflammation and Gliosis for the Pathogenesis of Obesity in Humans.

Accumulated preclinical literature demonstrates that hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis are underlying causal components of diet-induced obesity in rodent models. This review summarizes and synthesizes available translational data to better understand the applicability of preclinical findings to human obesity and its comorbidities. The published literature in humans includes histopathologic analyses performed postmortem and in vivo neuroimaging studies measuring indirect markers of hypothalamic tissue microstructure. Both support the presence of hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis in children and adults with obesity. Findings predominantly point to tissue changes in the region of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, although findings of altered tissue characteristics in whole hypothalamus or other hypothalamic regions also emerged. Moreover, the severity of hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis has been related to comorbid conditions, including glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and low testosterone levels in men, independent of elevated body adiposity. Cross-sectional findings are augmented by a small number of prospective studies suggesting that a greater degree of hypothalamic inflammation and gliosis may predict adiposity gain and worsening insulin sensitivity in susceptible individuals. In conclusion, existing human studies corroborate a large preclinical literature demonstrating that hypothalamic neuroinflammatory responses play a role in obesity pathogenesis. Extensive or permanent hypothalamic tissue remodeling may negatively affect the function of neuroendocrine regulatory circuits and promote the development and maintenance of elevated body weight in obesity and/or comorbid endocrine disorders.