Are different station formats assessing different dimensions in multiple mini-interviews? Findings from the Canadian integrated French multiple mini-interviews.

BACKGROUND: Multiple mini-interviews (MMI) are used to assess non-academic attributes for selection in medicine and other healthcare professions. It remains unclear if different MMI station formats (discussions, role-plays, collaboration) assess different dimensions. METHODS: Based on station formats of the 2018 and 2019 Integrated French MMI (IFMMI), which comprised five discussions, three role-plays and two collaboration stations, the authors performed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the lavaan 0.6-5 R package and compared a one-factor solution to a three-factor solution for scores of the 2018 (n = 1438) and 2019 (n = 1440) cohorts of the IFMMI across three medical schools in Quebec, Canada. RESULTS: The three-factor solution was retained, with discussions, role-plays and collaboration stations all loading adequately with their scores. Furthermore, all three factors had moderate-to-high covariance (range 0.44 to 0.64). The model fit was also excellent with a Comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.983 (good if > 0.9), a Tucker Lewis index of 0.976 (good if > 0.95), a Standardized Root Mean Square Residual of 0.021 (good if < .08) and a Root Mean Square Error of 0.023 (good if < 0.08) for 2018 and similar results for 2019. In comparison, the single factor solution presented a lower fit (CFI = 0.819, TLI = 0.767, SRMR = 0.049 and RMSEA = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS: The IFMMI assessed three dimensions that were related to stations formats, a finding that was consistent across two cohorts. This suggests that different station formats may be assessing different skills, and has implications for the choice of appropriate reliability metrics and the interpretation of scores. Further studies should try to characterize the underlying constructs associated with each station format and look for differential predictive validity according to these formats.

Accuracy of rating scale interval values used in multiple mini-interviews: a mixed methods study.

When determining the score given to candidates in multiple mini-interview (MMI) stations, raters have to translate a narrative judgment to an ordinal rating scale. When adding individual scores to calculate final ranking, it is generally presumed that the values of possible scores on the evaluation grid are separated by constant intervals, following a linear function, although this assumption is seldom validated with raters themselves. Inaccurate interval values could lead to systemic bias that could potentially distort candidates' final cumulative scores. The aim of this study was to establish rating scale values based on rater's intent, to validate these with an independent quantitative method, to explore their impact on final score, and to appraise their meaning according to experienced MMI interviewers. A 4-round consensus-group exercise was independently conducted with 42 MMI interviewers who were asked to determine relative values for the 6-point rating scale (from A to F) used in the Canadian integrated French MMI (IFMMI). In parallel, relative values were also calculated for each option of the scale by comparing the average scores concurrently given to the same individual in other stations every time that option was selected during three consecutive IFMMI years. Data from the same three cohorts was used to simulate the impact of using new score values on final rankings. Comments from the consensus group exercise were reviewed independently by two authors to explore raters' rationale for choosing specific values. Relative to the maximum (A = 100%) and minimum (F = 0%), experienced raters concluded to values of 86.7% (95% CI 86.3-87.1), 69.5% (68.9-70.1), 51.2% (50.6-51.8), and 29.3% (28.1-30.5), for scores of B, C, D and E respectively. The concurrent score approach was based on 43,412 IFMMI stations performed by 4345 medical school applicants. It provided quasi-identical values of 87.1% (82.4-91.5), 70.4% (66.1-74.7), 51.2% (47.1-55.3) and 31.8% (27.9-35.7), respectively. Qualitative analysis explained that while high scores are usually based on minor details of relatively low importance, low scores are usually attributed for more serious offenses and were assumed by the raters to carry more weight in the final score. Individual drop or increase in final MMI ranking with the use of new scale values ranged from - 21 to + 5 percentiles, with the average candidate changing by ± 1.4 percentiles. Consulting with experienced interviewers is a simple and effective approach to establish rating scale values that truly reflects raters' intent in MMI, thus improving the accuracy of the instrument and contributing to the general fairness of the process.

Albumin/Creatinine Ratio for the Detection of Significant Proteinuria of Preeclampsia in Hospitalized Hypertensive Women.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with proteinuria detected by 24-hour urine collection (≥0.3 g/24 h) or protein/creatinine ratio (≥30 mg/mmol). The albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) is used outside pregnancy to detect abnormal amounts of albumin in the urine, but there is little data on its value in pregnancy. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic threshold for ACR to detect significant proteinuria in women investigated for preeclampsia. METHODS: A prospective observational study involving 99 hypertensive women (≥140/90 mm Hg) over 20 weeks gestation who were hospitalized at 2 Canadian tertiary centres. A 24-hour urine collection and a morning urine sample were collected. The optimal ACR threshold was determined by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve using the 24-hour collection as the reference test; sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed. Maternal and perinatal characteristics were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Of the 87 women who had completed urine collection, 74 (85%) had an initial diagnosis of preeclampsia and 63 (72%) had significant proteinuria confirmed by 24-hour collection. The area under the morning ROC curve was 0.92 (95% CI 0.86-0.98) and the optimal threshold obtained for the ACR was 9 mg/mmol, with a sensitivity and specificity of 84% (95% CI 73-92) and 88% (95% CI 68-97), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that an ACR threshold of 9 mg/mmol on a morning urine sample can be used to detect significant proteinuria of preeclampsia in hospitalized hypertensive women.

No 375 - Directive clinique sur l'utilisation de l'échographie au premier trimestre.

OBJECTIF: Révision des indications cliniques de l'échographie du premier trimestre. RéSULTATS: L'échographie au premier trimestre offre des avantages cliniques démontrés. DONNéES PROBANTES: Les données probantes ont été révisées au moyen de recherche dans Medline et selon la bibliographie des articles pertinents. VALEURS: Le contenu et les recommandations ont été évalués par les auteurs principaux et le Comité d'imagerie diagnostique de la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada. Le niveau d'évidence a été défini en fonction des critères du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs. RECOMMANDATIONS.

Rapid Aneuploidy Detection of Chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y Using Quantitative Fluorescent Polymerase Chain Reaction with Few Microdissected Fetal Cells.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of DNA from small numbers of cells, such as fetal cells in maternal blood, is a major limiting factor for their use in clinical applications. Traditional methods of single-cells whole genome amplification (SCs-WGA) and accurate analysis have been challenging to date. Our purpose was to assess the feasibility of using a few fetal cells to determine fetal sex and major chromosomal abnormalities by quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR). METHODS: Cultured cells from 26 amniotic fluid samples were used for standard DNA extraction and recovery of 5 fetal cells by laser-capture microdissection. SCs-WGA was performed using the DNA from the microdissected cells. PCR amplification of short tandem repeats specific for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y was performed on extracted and amplified DNA. Allele dosage and sexing were quantitatively analyzed following separation by capillary electrophoresis. RESULTS: Microsatellite QF-PCR analysis showed high concordance in chromosomal copy number between extracted and amplified DNA when 5 or more cells were used. Results were in concordance with that of conventional cytogenetic analysis. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory genomic coverage can be obtained from SCs-WGA. Clinically, SCs-WGA coupled with QF-PCR can provide a reliable, accurate, rapid and cost-effective method for detection of major fetal chromosome abnormalities.

Validation of automatic scanning of microscope slides in recovering rare cellular events: application for detection of fetal cells in maternal blood.

OBJECTIVE: Detection of rare fetal cells (FCs) in the maternal circulation could be used for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. Considering that FCs in maternal blood are present in extremely low frequency, manual scanning is cumbersome, time-consuming, and unsuitable for clinical applications. As an alternative, we optimized a custom-made classifier for automatic detection of FCs. METHODS: Using MetaSystems' automated platform, we developed a robust detection algorithm and validated its efficiency on retrieval of rare XY cells in a pure population of XX cells. Slides were scanned for presence of predefined XY cells after fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and primed in situ labeling (PRINS). Retrieval of FCs was also performed on samples from maternal blood. RESULTS: The efficiency of detection of rare XY cells was 88% using FISH (117/133) in comparison with 78% (53/68) with PRINS. FC frequencies per 1 mL of maternal blood ranged from 3 to 6 FCs in normal pregnancies versus 13 to 21 FCs in Down syndrome pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Automatic scanning was more efficient and consistent than manual scanning for detection of rare FCs and required considerably less operator time. Automatic scanning using FISH is more sensitive than that using PRINS. The study validates automatic scanning retrieval of FCs from maternal blood.

RETIRED: The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the obstetric patient.

This document has been archived because it contains outdated information. It should not be consulted for clinical use, but for historical research only. Please visit the journal website for the most recent guidelines.

Ce document a été archivé, car il contient des informations périmées. Il ne devrait pas être consulté pour un usage clinique, mais uniquement pour des recherches historiques. Veuillez consulter le site web du journal pour les directives les plus récentes.

Prediction of adverse maternal outcomes in pre-eclampsia: development and validation of the fullPIERS model.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal deaths. These deaths mainly result from eclampsia, uncontrolled hypertension, or systemic inflammation. We developed and validated the fullPIERS model with the aim of identifying the risk of fatal or life-threatening complications in women with pre-eclampsia within 48 h of hospital admission for the disorder. METHODS: We developed and internally validated the fullPIERS model in a prospective, multicentre study in women who were admitted to tertiary obstetric centres with pre-eclampsia or who developed pre-eclampsia after admission. The outcome of interest was maternal mortality or other serious complications of pre-eclampsia. Routinely reported and informative variables were included in a stepwise backward elimination regression model to predict the adverse maternal outcome. We assessed performance using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Standard bootstrapping techniques were used to assess potential overfitting. FINDINGS: 261 of 2023 women with pre-eclampsia had adverse outcomes at any time after hospital admission (106 [5%] within 48 h of admission). Predictors of adverse maternal outcome included gestational age, chest pain or dyspnoea, oxygen saturation, platelet count, and creatinine and aspartate transaminase concentrations. The fullPIERS model predicted adverse maternal outcomes within 48 h of study eligibility (AUC ROC 0·88, 95% CI 0·84-0·92). There was no significant overfitting. fullPIERS performed well (AUC ROC >0·7) up to 7 days after eligibility. INTERPRETATION: The fullPIERS model identifies women at increased risk of adverse outcomes up to 7 days before complications arise and can thereby modify direct patient care (eg, timing of delivery, place of care), improve the design of clinical trials, and inform biomedical investigations related to pre-eclampsia. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research; UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development, and Research Training in Human Reproduction; Preeclampsia Foundation; International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research; and Child and Family Research Institute.

Impact of the creation of a specialized clinic for prenatal blood sampling and follow-up care in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate (1) the effect on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening rates of having a specialized clinic for pregnant women offering blood sampling and screening for GDM, and (2) the impact on perinatal outcomes of having early GDM screening and follow-up provided by the specialized clinic. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study, based on electronic health records. We compared data from women who delivered during a period when the Blood Sampling in Pregnancy (BSP) clinic was operating (2008-2009; n = 2780) to a time period before the clinic was established (2006-2007; n = 2591). During the 2008-2009 period, we compared data from women who had GDM screening in the first trimester with women who had screening during the second trimester and with women who were not screened. RESULTS: Following the creation of the BSP clinic, overall GDM screening rates reached 72.4% in 2008-2009, compared with 48.9% in 2006-2007 (P < 0.001) and GDM screening was more likely to be performed in the first trimester (36.7% vs. 0.4%; P < 0.001). During the period when the BSP clinic was operating (2008-2009), women who had GDM screening in the first trimester had lower rates of Caesarean section (15.7% vs. 22.1%; P < 0.001) and neonatal complications (bradycardia: 3.6% vs. 6.8%; P = 0.003; respiratory distress: 9.6% vs. 13.2%; P = 0.02; and admission to NICU: 15.4% vs. 26.8%; P < 0.001) than women who did not perform GDM screening. CONCLUSION: In our population, creation of a clinic offering specialized care to pregnant women improved GDM screening rates. With the support of the BSP clinic, women who had early GDM screening were less likely to undergo Caesarean section and their offspring had fewer perinatal complications.

Is sleep disturbed in pregnancy?

OBJECTIVE: To assess features of sleep among pregnant women. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of low-risk pregnant women in a tertiary perinatal centre (CHUS) in Eastern Townships, Quebec. Sleep was assessed during the second trimester (mean gestational age 16.1 +/- 3.0 weeks) (T2) and third trimester (mean gestational age 27.5 +/- 1.8 weeks) (T3) using a validated self-administered questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Scores in this index range from 0 to 21, representing the cumulative scoring of seven sleep components. Subjects with a score > 5 were identified as "poor sleepers." Descriptive, bivariate, and regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among 260 consenting women, 192 (73.6%) had a term delivery without any adverse outcome. There were no differences in sleep parameters between pregnancies with adverse outcome and without adverse outcome. Mean overall PSQI scores showed evidence of deterioration in sleep quality from T2 (5.26 +/- 3.16) to T3 (6.73 +/- 4.02; P < 0.01). This deterioration was displayed in five of seven sleep components (P < 0.01). Scores in the "poor sleeper" range were recorded by 36% of women in T2 and 56%, of women in T3 (P < 0.01). "Poor sleep" in T2 and T3 was associated with low or high weight gain (P < 0.01), annual family income < $40,000 (P = 0.03), and single motherhood (P < 0.01). There was a trend for a seasonal influence on sleep scores (P = 0.08). The only predictor of poor sleep using multivariate analysis was single motherhood (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Sleep is disturbed in early pregnancy and is worse in the third trimester. Interventions to improve sleep should be sought to optimize quality of life for pregnant women.

Initial evaluation and referral guidelines for management of pelvic/ovarian masses.

OBJECTIVES: To optimize the management of adnexal masses and to assist primary care physicians and gynaecologists determine which patients presenting with an ovarian mass with a significant risk of malignancy should be considered for gynaecologic oncology referral and management. OPTIONS: Laparoscopic evaluation, comprehensive surgical staging for early ovarian cancer, or tumour debulking for advanced stage ovarian cancer. OUTCOMES: To optimize conservative versus operative management of women with possible ovarian malignancy and to optimize the involvement of gynaecologic oncologists in planning and delivery of treatment. EVIDENCE: Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the web sites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Primary care physicians and gynaecologists should always consider the possibility of an underlying ovarian cancer in patients in any age group who present with an adnexal or ovarian mass. (II-2B) 2. Appropriate workup of a perimenopausal or postmenopausal woman presenting with an adnexal mass should include evaluation of symptoms and signs suggestive of malignancy, such as persistent pelvic/abdominal pain, urinary urgency/frequency, increased abdominal size/bloating, and difficulty eating. In addition, CA125 measurement should be considered. (II-2B) 3. Transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound examination is recommended as part of the initial workup of a complex adnexal/ovarian mass. (II-2B) 4. Ultrasound reports should be standardized to include size and unilateral/bilateral location of the adnexal mass and its possible origin, thickness of septations, presence of excrescences and internal solid components, vascular flow distribution pattern, and presence or absence of ascites. This information is essential for calculating the risk of malignancy index II score to identify pelvic mass with high malignant potential. (IIIC) 5. Patients deemed to have a high risk of an underlying malignancy should be reviewed in consultation with a gynaecologic oncologist for assessment and optimal surgical management. (II-2B).

miRNA Profiles in Extracellular Vesicles From Serum Early in Pregnancies Complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

CONTEXT: Underlying mechanisms leading to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are still under investigation, and it is unclear whether the placenta plays a role in triggering glucose intolerance or if its functions are modified in response to the hyperglycemia. Circulating miRNAs are involved in placental development and function and are encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs). OBJECTIVE: To compare differential expression of miRNAs in circulating EVs in pregnancies complicated by GDM vs controls. METHODS: This was a case-control study nested in a prospective pregnancy cohort including 23 women with GDM and 46 matched controls. The presence of serum EVs in early pregnancy was validated by transmission electron microscopy. Placental dimensions were assessed at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation. Differential expression of 17 miRNAs encapsulated in EVs (miR‒122-5p, miR‒132-3p, miR-1323, miR‒182-3p, miR‒210-3p, miR‒29a-3p, miR‒29b-3p, miR‒342-3p, miR‒517-5p, miR‒517a-3p, miR‒518b, miR-520h, miR‒525-5p, miR‒136-5p, miR‒342-3p, miR‒376c-5p, and miR‒494-3p) was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS: EVs were present in the early phase of placentation (6 to 15 weeks of gestation) in both cases and controls. No differences were observed for placental dimensions and estimated placental volume between GDM and control groups. Ten miRNAs (miR‒122-5p; miR‒132-3p; miR‒1323; miR‒136-5p; miR‒182-3p; miR‒210-3p; miR‒29a-3p; miR‒29b-3p; miR‒342-3p, and miR-520h) showed significantly higher levels in GDM cases than in controls (P ≤ 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis showed that these miRNAs are involved in trophoblast proliferation/differentiation as well as in insulin secretion/regulation and glucose transport in pregnant women. CONCLUSION: The miRNA content of blood EVs may be a promising avenue for studying the early effect of impaired glucose metabolism on placental development.

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose: A Complementary Method Beyond the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test to Identify Hyperglycemia During Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare: 1) 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in identifying gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and other hyperglycemic statuses in pregnant women; 2) pregnancy outcomes according to glycemic status; and 3) participants' opinions regarding both methods. METHODS: A prospective study in women with a 50 g glucose load test ≥7.2 mmol/L at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation and singleton pregnancy. Women underwent OGTT (blinded) at day 1, followed by 7 days of SMBG (4 daily measurements: fasting and 2 h postprandially) without modifying diet or lifestyle. GDM (OGTT+) was diagnosed using the criteria of the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups, while pregnancy hyperglycemia (SMBG+) was defined as ≥4/7 glucose values ≥5.3 after fasting or ≥6.7 mmol/L 2 h postprandially for any meal of the day. Equivalent management was provided to women with GDM and/or pregnancy-related hyperglycemia. RESULTS: We divided 103 participants (age: 29.5±5.0 years; prepregnancy body mass index: 25.3±5.4 kg/m2) into 4 groups according to test results: OGTT+/SMBG+ (n=12, 11.7%); OGTT+/SMBG- (n=14, 13.6%); OGTT-/SMBG+ (n=9, 8.7%); and OGTT-/SMBG- (n=68, 66.0%). Clinical characteristics and maternal outcomes were statistically similar between groups. Neonatal complication rates were greater in groups with hyperglycemia than in the OGTT-/SMBG- group, notably neonatal hypoglycemia (9/12, 7/14, 5/9 vs. 6/68; p<0.001). Participants reported no convenience difference between methods but would prefer OGTT for a future pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the women with OGTT+ were normoglycemic in daily life. Conversely, 11.7% of women with OGTT- had pregnancy hyperglycemia. OGTT+ and/or SMBG+ were equally associated with greater neonatal complications. This study suggests that alongside OGTT, SMBG could improve the care of pregnant women.

Dual action of H2O2 on placental hCG secretion: implications for oxidative stress in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Our previously published findings showed that circulating levels of H(2)O(2) were increased and correlated with high levels of hCG in women with preeclampsia, suggesting that oxidative stress modulates placental hormone synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the effects of H(2)O(2) on placental secretion of hCG. DESIGN AND METHODS: In vitro trophoblasts were stimulated with increasing concentrations of H(2)O(2) and the de novo hCG secretion was assayed. RESULTS: Stimulation with low concentrations of H(2)O(2) (1-50 microM) enhances cytotrophoblastic hCG secretion, whereas concentrations of H(2)O(2) >50 microM reduce hCG secretion in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize that: (1) H(2)O(2) may have dual action on placental activity and acts not only as a cytotoxic mediator, but also as a signaling molecule able to induce hCG secretion; (2) hCG may be a protective antioxidant released by the placenta to counter low oxidative stress challenge.

Thirty-Eight-Year Follow-Up of Two Sibling Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Patients Due to Homozygous Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (STARD1) Protein Mutation. Molecular Structure and Modeling of the STARD1 L275P Mutation.

Objective: Review the impact of StAR (STARD1) mutations on steroidogenesis and fertility in LCAH patients. Examine the endocrine mechanisms underlying the pathology of the disorder and the appropriate therapy for promoting fertility and pregnancies. Design: Published data in the literature and a detailed 38-year follow-up of two sibling LCAH patients. Molecular structure and modeling of the STARD1 L275P mutation. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Patient A (46,XY female phenotype) and patient B (46,XX female) with LCAH bearing the L275P mutation in STARD1. Interventions: Since early-age diagnosis, both patients underwent corticoid replacement therapy. Patient A received estrogen therapy at pubertal age. Clomiphene therapy was given to Patient B to induce ovulation. Pregnancies were protected with progesterone administration. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical and molecular assessment of adrenal and gonadal functions. Results: Both patients have classic manifestations of corticosteroid deficiency observed in LCAH. Time of onset and severity were different. Patient A developed into a female phenotype due to early and severe damage of Leydig cells. Patient B started a progressive pubertal development, menarche and regular non-ovulatory cycle. She was able to have successful pregnancies. Conclusions: Understanding the molecular structure and function of STARD1 in all steroidogenic tissues is the key for comprehending the heterogeneous clinical manifestations of LCAH, and the development of an appropriate strategy for the induction of ovulation and protecting pregnancies in this disease.

Gestational diabetes mellitus identification based on self-monitoring of blood glucose.

In Sherbrooke, the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) Regional Committee proposed GDM screening during the first trimester for all pregnant women based on a 50 g glucose challenge test (50 g GCT) followed directly by capillary self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) at home. We evaluated implementation of committee's recommendations on the clinical trajectory of women receiving prenatal care at our institution. We analyzed data collected systematically by the Blood Sampling in Pregnancy clinic from 2008 to 2011. We evaluated the clinical trajectory of 7710 pregnant women to assess GDM screening/diagnoses and referral rates to the diabetes care centre (DCC) for education and treatment during both the first and second trimesters. The Canadian Diabetes Association glycemic treatment targets in women with GDM were used as diagnosis thresholds and DCC referral decisions: Fasting glucose of 5.3 mmol/L and postprandial 2 h glucose of 6.7 mmol/L. We found that pregnant women were 28.0±4.8 years old, and their body mass indexes were 24.5±5.5 kg/m(2). During the first trimester, 47% of women were screened for GDM, mostly (84%) using the 50 g GCT. Following SMBG, 5.7% were referred to the DCC. Only 32% of women with early GDM had >1 GDM risk factor. Thereafter, 67% of normoglycemic women screened during the first trimester were screened again during the second trimester. Among women screened during the second trimester, most screening was done using 50 g GCT, and 8.8% were referred to the DCC following SMBG. Implementation of 50 g GCT testing followed by direct home SMBG was well implemented in our area. The importance of early GDM screening and rescreening during the second trimester still needs to be emphasized.

Short and inflamed cervix predicts spontaneous preterm birth (COLIBRI study).

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new strategy of predicting spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) by combination of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) assessment and inflammatory proteins detection in vaginal secretions. METHODS: Prospective study of 87 women referred for cervical length assessment with a standardized TVUS combined to vaginal secretions sampling. Samples were analyzed for presence of 10 cytokines. Main outcome was sPTB (<37 weeks of gestation). Associations were assessed with the chi-square, Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05) and Wald's logistic regression. RESULTS: sPTB occurred in 25.3% of women at a median gestational age of 35.6 weeks of gestation. Short cervix (<25 mm) (n = 24) was associated with sPTB (p < 0.01) as interleukine (IL)-1ß, IL-8 and IL-10 in vaginal secretions (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, short cervix and IL-8 in vaginal secretions were independently associated with sPTB (OR 3.58 (95%CI 1.02; 12.61) and 14.55 (95%CI 1.64; 128.83), respectively) as their combination (OR 4.33 (95%CI 1.25; 14.95)). By categorizing cervical length by presence of IL-8, sPTB occurred in 55.6% of women with a short inflamed cervix. CONCLUSION: COLIBRI study used a novel, single-step method of vaginal secretions sampling during TVUS and demonstrated that combination of short cervix and IL-8 in vaginal secretions is a promising sPTB predictive test.

A positive correlation between hydrogen peroxide and soluble TNF-alpha receptor 2 early in maternal blood and at term in placenta of pregnant women with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and soluble TNF-α receptor 2 (sTNF-R2) co-play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. METHODS: Correlation of H(2)O(2) and sTNF-R2 was assessed in vivo in maternal blood and placenta, and in vitro in cytotrophoblasts culture. RESULTS: We showed a positive correlation between increased levels of H(2)O(2) and sTNF-R2 early at 10-15 gestational weeks and at term in maternal serum, and in placenta of women with preeclampsia. Our in vitro experiments showed that H(2)O(2) induced the placental synthesis of sTNF-R2. CONCLUSION: We propose to consider H(2)O(2) and sTNF-R2 as potential biomarkers in predicting preeclampsia.

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins in cord blood from neonates with intra-uterine growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: We verified whether oxidative stress indices (oxidized low-density lipoproteins and malondialdehyde) and inflammatory biomarkers (circulating C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α, serum amyloid A and soluble intercellular vascular cell adhesion molecule) are increased in the umbilical vein of placental insufficiency induced intra-uterine growth restricted neonates. STUDY DESIGN: The prospective cohort study, involving 3 tertiary care centers, consists of 200 consecutively recruited pregnant women carrying twins. We chose the twin pregnancy model because both fetuses share the same maternal environment, thereby avoiding potential confounding factors when comparing oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers. We analysed only twin pairs with one with intra-uterine growth restriction (N=38) defined as fetal growth<10th percentile with abnormal Doppler of the umbilical artery. Blood samples were taken at birth from the umbilical vein. Intra-pair comparisons on the biomarkers were performed using the Student paired t-test. RESULTS: We observed increased cord blood levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins, (2.394 ± .412 vs 1.296 ± .204, p=.003) but not of malondialdehyde in growth restricted neonates when compared to their normal counterparts. Although indices of inflammation tended to be increased in cord blood from growth restricted newborns, the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In the twin model, intra-uterine growth restriction is associated with low-density lipoprotein oxidation without apparent dysregulation of inflammation biomarkers. CONDENSATION: Increased oxidized low-density lipoproteins are observed in growth restricted twins compared to their co-twins with normal growth at birth.

SOGC CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE: guidelines for the management of vasa previa.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the etiology of vasa previa and the risk factors and associated condition, to identify the various clinical presentations of vasa previa, to describe the ultrasound tools used in its diagnosis, and to describe the management of vasa previa. OUTCOMES: Reduction of perinatal mortality, short-term neonatal morbidity, long-term infant morbidity, and short-term and long-term maternal morbidity and mortality. EVIDENCE: Published literature on randomized trials prospective cohort studies, and selected retrospective cohort studies was retrieved through searches of PubMed or Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., selected epidemiological studies comparing delivery by Caesarean section with vaginal delivery studies comparing outcomes when vasa previa is diagnosed antenatally vs.intrapartum) and key words (e.g. vasa previa). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated into the guideline to October 1, 2008. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies,clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and from national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES: The evidence collected was reviewed by the Diagnostic Imaging Committee and the Maternal Fetal Medicine Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and quantified using the evaluation of evidence guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: The benefit expected from this guideline is facilitation of optimal and uniform care for pregnancies complicated by vasa previa. SPONSORS: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.