Pregnancy after kidney transplantation: 40 years single-center experience / Gestação após transplante renal: 40 anos de experiência em centro único

Abstract Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) improves quality of life, including fertility recovery. Objective: to describe outcomes of post-KT pregnancy and long-term patient and graft survival compared to a matched control group of female KT recipients who did not conceive. Methods: retrospective single-center case-control study with female KT recipients from 1977 to 2016, followed-up until 2019. Results: there were 1,253 female KT patients of childbearing age in the study period: 78 (6.2%) pregnant women (cases), with a total of 97 gestations. The median time from KT to conception was 53.0 (21.5 - 91.0) months. Abortion rate was 41% (spontaneous 21.6%, therapeutic 19.6%), preterm delivery, 32%, and at term delivery, 24%. Pre-eclampsia (PE) occurred in 42% of pregnancies that reached at least 20 weeks. The presence of 2 or more risk factors for poor pregnancy outcomes was significantly associated with abortions [OR 3.33 (95%CI 1.43 - 7.75), p = 0.007] and with kidney graft loss in 2 years. The matched control group of 78 female KT patients was comparable on baseline creatinine [1.2 (1.0 - 1.5) mg/dL in both groups, p = 0.95] and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) [0.27 (0.15 - 0.44) vs. 0.24 (0.02 - 0.30), p = 0.06]. Graft survival was higher in cases than in controls in 5 years (85.6% vs 71.5%, p = 0.012) and 10 years (71.9% vs 55.0%, p = 0.012) of follow-up. Conclusion: pregnancy can be successful after KT, but there are high rates of abortions and preterm deliveries. Pre-conception counseling is necessary, and should include ethical aspects.

Resumo Histórico: Transplante renal (TR) melhora qualidade de vida, incluindo recuperação da fertilidade. Objetivo: descrever desfechos gestacionais pós-TR e sobrevida de longo prazo da paciente e do enxerto renal comparada a um grupo controle pareado de receptoras de TR que não conceberam. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo caso-controle com receptoras de TR de 1977 a 2016, acompanhadas até 2019. Resultados: foram identificadas 1.253 receptoras de TR em idade fértil no período do estudo: 78 (6,2%) gestantes (casos), total de 97 gestações. Tempo mediano entre TR até concepção foi 53,0 (21,5 - 91,0) meses. Taxa de aborto foi 41% (espontâneo 21,6%, terapêutico 19,6%), parto prematuro, 32%, e a termo, 24%. Pré-eclâmpsia (PE) ocorreu em 42% das gestações que alcançaram pelo menos 20 semanas. Presença de 2 ou mais fatores de risco para desfechos gestacionais desfavoráveis foi significativamente associada a abortos [OR 3,33 (IC95% 1,43 - 7,75), p = 0,007] e perda de enxerto renal em 2 anos. O grupo controle de 78 mulheres com TR foi comparável na creatinina basal [1,2 (1,0 - 1,5) mg/dL nos dois grupos, p = 0,95] e na relação proteína/creatinina urinária (RPCU) [0,27 (0,15 - 0,44) vs. 0,24 (0,02 - 0,30), p = 0,06]. Sobrevida do enxerto foi maior nos casos que nos controles em 5 anos (85,6% vs. 71,5%, p = 0,012) e 10 anos (71,9% vs. 55,0%, p = 0,012) de acompanhamento. Conclusão: a gestação pode ser bem-sucedida após TR, mas existem altas taxas de abortos e partos prematuros. Aconselhamento pré-concepção é necessário e deve incluir aspectos éticos.

Renal osteodystrophy and clinical outcomes: a prospective cohort study / Osteodistrofia renal e desfechos clínicos: um estudo de coorte prospectivo

Abstract Introduction: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) refers to a group of bone morphological patterns that derive from distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Whether the ROD subtypes influence long-term outcomes is unknown. Our objective was to explore the relationship between ROD and clinical outcomes. Methods: This study is a subanalysis of the Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsies (REBRABO). Samples from individual patients were classified as having osteitis fibrosa (OF), mixed uremic osteodystrophy (MUO), adynamic bone disease (ABD), osteomalacia (OM), normal/minor alterations, and according to turnover/mineralization/volume (TMV) system. Patients were followed for 3.4 yrs. Clinical outcomes were: bone fractures, hospitalization, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and death. Results: We enrolled 275 participants, of which 248 (90%) were on dialysis. At follow-up, 28 bone fractures, 97 hospitalizations, 44 MACE, and 70 deaths were recorded. ROD subtypes were not related to outcomes. Conclusion: The incidence of clinical outcomes did not differ between the types of ROD.

Resumo Introdução: Osteodistrofia renal (OR) refere-se a um grupo de padrões morfológicos ósseos que decorrem de mecanismos fisiopatológicos distintos. É desconhecido se os subtipos de OR influenciam desfechos em longo prazo. Nosso objetivo foi explorar as relações entre OR e desfechos. Métodos: Este estudo é uma subanálise do Registro Brasileiro de Biópsias Ósseas (REBRABO). As amostras de cada paciente foram classificadas em osteíte fibrosa (OF), osteodistrofia urêmica mista (MUO), doença óssea adinâmica (ABD), osteomalácia (OM), alterações normais/menores, e pelo sistema Remodelação / Mineralização / Volume (RMV). Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 3,4 anos. Os eventos clínicos foram: fraturas ósseas, hospitalizações, eventos cardiovasculares adversos maiores (MACE), e óbito. Resultados: Analisamos 275 indivíduos, 248 (90%) deles estavam em diálise. No acompanhamento, 28 fraturas ósseas, 97 hospitalizações, 44 MACE e 70 óbitos foram registrados. Os subtipos de OR não foram relacionados aos desfechos clínicos. Conclusão: A incidência de desfechos clínicos não diferiu entre os tipos de OR.

Effects of prolonged waiting time on visual outcomes of patients with pediatric cataract in a Tertiary Public Hospital

Background@#Pediatric cataract is one of the most common preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Early and timely intervention of pediatric cataract is important to maximize the visual outcomes and start prompt visual rehabilitation.@*Objectives@#This study aimed to determine the average time from the day of initial consult at the outpatient clinic to the day of the cataract surgery and compare the effects of delayed surgery on visual outcomes of patients.@*Methods@#This is a retrospective chart review of medical records from January 2015 to June 2022. The dates of the different steps in the process up to the day of intervention were noted and the average interval duration and the total waiting time were determined. Patients operated on within 2 weeks from initial consult was defined as no delay while those operated >2 weeks had delayed surgery. Pre-operative and post-operative best corrected log MAR visual acuity were compared within each group to determine if delay in surgical intervention has a significant effect on the visual outcomes of patients.@*Results@#Median age at initial consult was 4.9 years while median age at surgery was 5.2 years. Ninety-nine (99) patients had developmental cataract and 123 patients had bilateral cataract. Leukocoria was the most common chief complaint (63.45%). Pre-operatively, 94 patients had strabismus, 49 had eye preference, 48 had nystagmus, and 43 had amblyopia in the diagnosis. There was significantly faster admission to cataract surgery during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic period but there was no difference in the total waiting time. Patients with congenital cataract had the least total waiting time followed by developmental, and rubella cataract. There is no significant difference in visual outcomes between patients operated without delay and with delay.@*Conclusion@#There is delayed age at diagnosis and surgery of pediatric cataract patients in the Philippine General Hospital. Early surgery did not reflect better visual outcomes compared to delayed surgery probably due to delay in consultation of patients.

Predictive value of the expression levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell for the adverse pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the predictive value of the expression levels of YY1 transcription fac-tor(YY1)and microRNA(miR)-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell for adverse pregnancy out-comes in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Methods A total of 200 patients with GDM were enrolled as the GDM group.100 healthy pregnant women who underwent prenatal examinations during the same period were selected as the control group.The expressions levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mono-nuclear cell were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of YY1 and miR-181a-5p for adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM pa-tients.Results Compared with the control group,the expression levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell of GDM group were obviously decreased(P＜0.05),and the incidence rates of post-partum hemorrhage,macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia in GDM group were obviously higher(P＜0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age and poor blood glucose control were inde-pendent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients(P＜0.05),and the expression levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cell YY1 and miR-181a-5p were independent protective factors for adverse preg-nancy outcomes in GDM patients(P＜0.05).ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the expression levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood alone and in combination in predicting ad-verse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients was 0.717,0.751 and 0.832,respectively,and the AUC of their combination was obviously higher than that of the two alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion The decreased expres-sion levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell of GDM patients could increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes,YY1 and miR-181a-5p are closely related to adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients,and both could be used as predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients.

Levels of IL-37 and CCL11 in serum of pregnant women infected with group B streptococcus in late pregnancy and their predictive efficacy for maternal and infant outcomes / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To explore the levels of interleukin-37(IL-37)and CC type modified chemokine 11(CCL11)in serum of pregnant women infected with group B streptococcus in late pregnancy and their predic-tive efficacy for maternal and infant outcomes.Methods A total of 86 pregnant women with reproductive tract B streptococcus infection in late pregnancy treated in the hospital from December 2020 to December 2022 were selected as the study group,and 76 pregnant women with normal physical examination admitted during the same period were selected as the control group.The levels of IL-37 and CCL11 in serum of all pregnant women were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.According to whether the pregnant women with group B streptococcus infection in late pregnancy had adverse maternal and infant outcomes,they were divided into normal pregnancy outcome group(50 cases)and adverse pregnancy outcome group(36 cases).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum IL-37 and CCL11 on maternal and infant outcomes of pregnant women with reproductive group B streptococcus infection in late pregnancy.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors affecting maternal and in-fant outcomes of pregnant women with reproductive group B streptococcus infection in late pregnancy.Results The levels of IL-37 and CCL11 in the study group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence rate of adverse outcomes in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The proportion of abortion history and the proportion of vaginal microecological disorders and levels of IL-37 and CCL11 and in adverse pregnancy outcome group were higher than those in normal pregnancy outcome group(P<0.05).ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of IL-37 and CCL11 for predicting adverse maternal and infant outcomes of pregnant women infected with group B streptococcus in late pregnancy were 0.876(95%CI:0.824-0.920)and 0.788(95%CI:0.748-0.830),re-spectively.The AUC of the combined prediction of adverse maternal and infant outcomes of pregnant women infected with group B streptococcus were 0.927(95%CI:0.889-0.970).Multivariate Logistic regression a-nalysis results showed that serum IL-37(OR=3.604,95%CI:2.106-6.166),CCL11(OR=4.250,95%CI:2.074-8.709),abortion history(OR=2.707,95%CI:1.688-4.342)and vaginal microecological disorders(OR=3.504,95%CI:1.993-6.162)were risk factors for adverse maternal and infant outcomes in pregnant women infected with group B streptococcus in late pregnancy(P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of IL-37 and CCL11 in serum of pregnant women infected with reproductive group B streptococcus in late pregnancy are in-creased,which are related to adverse pregnancy outcomes,and are expected to be effective indicator for predic-ting adverse pregnancy outcomes of pregnant women infected with reproductive group B streptococcus in late pregnancy.

The influencing factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia and the predictive value of serum trace elements in the second trimester / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the influencing factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia and the predictive value of serum trace elements in the second trimester.Methods A total of 98 patients with preeclampsia admitted to Qujing First People's Hospital from January 2019 to June 2022 were enrolled in the study.Patients were divided into poor outcome group and good outcome group according to whether they had adverse pregnancy outcomes.The clinical data of all patients enrolled in the study were col-lected and the serum levels of trace elements calcium,copper,zinc and iron were detected in the second trimes-ter.Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of ad-verse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.The levels of serum trace elements in the second tri-mester of pregnancy were compared between the poor outcome group and the good outcome group.The re-ceiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum trace elements calcium,copper,zinc and iron for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.Results Univari-ate analysis showed that compared with the good outcome group,the poor outcome group had significantly higher systolic blood pressure,24 h urinary protein quantitation,and D-dimer level(P＜0.05)and significantly less gestational age and platelet count at admission(P＜0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that 24 h urinary protein quantification,D-dimer and platelet count were the influencing factors of ad-verse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia(P＜0.05).The levels of serum trace elements calci-um,copper,and zinc in the poor outcome group were significantly lower than those in the good outcome group(P＜0.05),and the level of iron was significantly higher than that in the good outcome group(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves(AUCs)of serum calcium,copper,zinc,and iron in the second trimester of pregnancy for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in preeclampsia patients were 0.830(95％CI:0.780-0.880),0.855(95％CI:0.805-0.905),0.847(0.797-0.897)and 0.861(95％CI:0.811-0.911),respectively.Conclusion Adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia are re-lated to 24 h urine protein,D-dimer and platelet count.The levels of serum trace elements calcium,copper,zinc and iron in the second trimester of pregnancy change significantly in patients with adverse pregnancy out-comes,which may become predictive markers of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Study on the Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution in Pregnant Women with Iron Deficiency Anemia and Its Influencing Factors / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia(IDA)and its related influencing factors,so as to provide a reference for the TCM prevention and treatment of IDA in pregnancy.Methods A total of 109 eligible patients with IDA during pregnancy were included in the study.The general data of pregnant women,the TCM constitution types and relevant laboratory indicators including serum ferritin(Fer),hemoglobin(Hb)and mean corpuscular volume(MCV)were collected.Statistical analyses were conducted on the distribution of TCM constitution types of IDA pregnant women and its related influencing factors as well as the pregnancy outcomes.Results(1)The 109 IDA pregnant women were predominated by biased constitution types,accounted for 60 cases(55.05％).The distribution of the constitution types of 109 IDA pregnant women was as follows:balanced constitution(49 cases,44.95％)>damp-heat constitution(13 cases,11.93％)>yang deficiency constitution(12 cases,11.01％)>yin deficiency constitution(11 cases,10.09％)>qi deficiency constitution(10 cases,9.17％)>qi stagnation constitution(9 cases,8.26％)>blood stasis constitution(3 cases,2.75％)>phlegm-damp constitution(2 cases,1.83％).(2)Comparison of Hb and MCV levels in IDA pregnant women with various constitution types showed no statistically significant differences(P>0.05),but Fer level in IDA pregnant women with damp-heat constitution was significantly higher than that in IDA pregnant women with balanced constitution(P<0.01),and the probability of occurrence of amniotic opacity in IDA pregnant women with damp-heat constitution was significantly higher than that in IDA pregnant women with balanced constitution and other biased constitution types(P<0.05).Conclusion Damp-heat constitution is the most common TCM constitution type in pregnant women with IDA,followed by yang deficiency constitution,yin deficiency constitution and qi deficiency constitution.The damp-heat constitution may be the susceptible constitution of pregnant women with IDA,and IDA pregnant women with damp-heat constitution have significantly higher Fer level than those with balanced constitution,and also have the higher probability of occurrence of amniotic opacity than those with balanced constitution and other biased constitution types.

Clinical Study on Yangxue Sanhan Tongmai Prescription for the Treatment of Endometriosis of Blood Deficiency and Cold Coagulation Type / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Yangxue Sanhan Tongmai Prescription(derived from the modification of Danggui Sini plus Wuzhuyu Shengjiang Decoction,i.e.,Danggui Sini Decoction with Euodiae Fructus and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens added)for the treatment of endometriosis(EMS)of blood deficiency and cold coagulation type.Methods A total of 120 cases of EMS with blood deficiency and cold coagulation syndrome were randomly divided into the study group and the control group,with 60 cases in each group.The study group was treated with Yangxue Sanhan Tongmai Prescription,and the control group was treated with Shaofu Zhuyu Granules.Both groups were treated for a period of 3 months,and were followed up for one year after the completion of the treatment.The two groups were observed in the changes of the visual analogue scale(VAS)scores of menstrual abdominal pain,the grading scores of dysmenorrhea,non-menstrual pelvic pain,pain during sexual intercourse,pelvic pressure pain and sacral ligament tenderness,the size of ovarian endometriosis cysts,and the serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1(SICAM-1),matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2(TIMP-2).After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety,recurrence and pregnancy in the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)In the course of the trial,3 cases fell off in the study group and 5 cases fell off in the control group,and a total of 112 patients were eventually included in the statistical analysis,including 57 cases in the study group and 55 cases in the control group.(2)After 3 months of treatment,the total effective rate in the study group was 92.98%(53/57)and that in the control group was 85.45%(47/55),and the intergroup comparison showed that the efficacy of the study group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,VAS scores of menstrual abdominal pain and the grading scores of dysmenorrhea,non-menstrual pelvic pain,pain during sexual intercourse,pelvic pressure pain and sacral ligament tenderness in the two groups were significantly reduced compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the reduction in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the ovarian endometriosis cysts of the two groups were slightly reduced,but the intragroup pre-and post-treatment differences and the intergroup post-treatment differences were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).(5)After treatment,the levels of serum CA125,VEGF,SICAM-1 and MMP-9 were decreased and the serum TIMP-2 level was increased in both groups compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05).And the decrease of serum CA125,VEGF,SICAM-1 and MMP-9 as well as the increase of serum TIMP-2 in the study group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P＜0.05).(6)The results of one-year follow-up showed that the recurrence rate of the study group was 30.19%(16/53),which was significantly lower than that of the control group(68.09%,32/47),and the difference was statistically significant between the two groups(P＜0.05).In the study group,there were 21 patients having the fertility desire,and then 14 cases of them were pregnant after treatment,with a pregnancy rate of 66.67%(14/21);in the control group,there were 20 cases having fertility desire,and then 4 cases of them were pregnant after treatment,with a pregnancy rate of 20.00%(4/20).The intergroup comparison showed that the pregnancy rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(7)During the treatment period,there were no obvious adverse reactions in the two groups,and there were no abnormal changes in the safety indexes of blood,urine,and stool routine test,electrocardiogram,and liver and kidney function.Conclusion Yangxue Sanhan Tongmai Prescription exerts certain effect in treating patients with endometriosis of blood deficiency and cold coagulation type,which can significantly alleviate various pain symptoms,improve pregnancy outcomes,and effectively regulate the levels of serum CA125,VEGF,SICAM-1,MMP-9 and TIMP-2 of the patients.

Analysis of Surgical Treatment of 20 Cases of Ebstein's Anomaly Combined with Atrial Septal Defect / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To analyze the treatment strategy of the atrial septal defect in the surgical treatment of Ebstein's anomaly combined with the atrial septal defect and the short-term follow-up results of the treatment of Ebstein's anomaly.Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data and follow-up results of 20 patients with Ebstein's anomaly and atrial septal defect was conducted from September 2017 to February 2021.And the statistical analysis on the preoperative and postoperative echocardiography results of this group of patients was performed.Results Sixteen patients underwent the biventricular correction surgery,among whom two cases underwent the horizontal atrial tricuspid valvuloplasty(Danielsons procedure),four cases underwent the vertical atrial tricuspid valvuloplasty(Carpentier procedure),and ten cases underwent the conical reconstruction.Two patients were given a half ventricular correction surgery(tricuspid valve reconstruction combined with bidirectional Glenn surgery)and two patients underwent the bidirectional Glenn surgery.The combined atrial septal defects were closed in one stage during extracorporeal circulation for correction of deformitie in 20 patients.At 1,3,6,and 12 months after the surgery,the patient's right ventricular size significantly decreased compared to preoperative(P<0.05),and cardiac function(left ventricular ejection fraction)significantly improved(P<0.05).Conclusion The surgical treatment of Ebstein's anomaly combined with the atrial septal defect should follow the principle of individualized treatment.Biventricular correction is still the first choice for the treatment of Ebstein's anomaly,and the atrial septal defect should be closed at one stage,so as to obtain a good therapeutic effect.

The correlation between EEG features and therapeutic effect in children with electrical status epilepticus during sleep / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore EEG characteristics and the therapeutic effect in children with electrical status epilepticus during slow sleep(ESES).Methods The eligible ESES cases in our center from 2014 to 2020 were included.The age at diagnosis of ESES,the duration of ESES,spike wave index(SWI)during wakefulness and the distribution of spike wave during the period of ESES,age at seizure onset,the clinical syndromes and the outcomes after treatment were analyzed.The ESES cases were divided into 4 groups according to the distribution of spike wave:focal ESES,unilateral ESES,bilateral asymmetric ESES,multiple foci ESES.The SWI during the awake stage were divided into 3 groups based on the different rates:≤20%,21%～49%,≥50%.The therapeutic outcomes were classified into three groups:satisfactory response,seizure control and ineffective.Results 50 cases were included,with 32 males and 18 females.The average onset age of ESES was 6 years and 7 months,and the average duration of ESES was 28 months.A significant correlation between the distribution of ESES and the thera-peutic effects was found,bilateral asymmetric ESES had a good therapeutic effects,while multiple foci ESES showed a poor therapeutic effects.The duration of ESES was significantly correlated with therapeutic effects,and the efficacy was worse when the duration was longer than 1 year.A significant relationship between the SWI during wakefulness of ESES and the therapeutic effects was detected,the patient with SWI≤20%during wakefulness had a good therapeutic effect.There was a negative correlation between the onset age of ESES and the duration of ESES and SWI index during wakefulness.There was a positive correlation between the duration of ESES and SWI index during wakefulness.Conclusion Our results suggest that onset age,distribution,duration and SWI during wake-fulness of ESES were correlated with therapeutic outcomes,The patient with SWI≤20%during wakefulness had a good therapeutic effect and have unfavorable outcomes with ESES last more than 1 year.The earlier onset of ESES,the longer duration of ESES and higher SWI during wakefulness will be showed..

Impact of adolescent pregnancy on maternal and infant outcomes / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To analyze the impact of adolescent pregnancy on maternal and infant outcomes.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 5 765 parturbirths in Jining Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. The parturbirths were divided into adolescent group (maternal age<20 years, 280 cases), age group 1 (maternal age 20-24 years, 1 733 cases) and age groups 2 (maternal age 25-34 years, 3 752 cases). All information was collected through the hospital′s electronic case system. General data, pregnancy characteristics and outcomes were compared among the three groups by analysis of variance (ANOVA), χ 2 tests and binary logistics regression analysis was used to analyze the impact of adolescent pregnancy on maternal and infant outcomes. Results:In the adolescent group, the proportion of women with an education of junior high school or below, rural residence, no fixed income, unmarried, and no history of induced abortion were all significantly higher than those in age group 1 and age group 2 (82.50% vs 17.37%, 14.37%; 59.29% vs 42.70%, 43.36%; 80.71% vs 15.52%, 14.71%; 75.71% vs 12.23%, 9.97%; 82.50% vs 71.84%, 71.91%) (all P<0.05); there was no significant differences in age at menarche, body mass index before pregnancy, and weight gain during pregnancy among the three groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of preterm birth, low birth weight infants and transferring to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the adolescent group were all significantly higher than those in age group 1 and age group 2 (5.36% vs 1.10%, 1.57%; 5.00% vs 0.23%, 0.05%; 21.79% vs 6.12%, 15.17%); the incidence of anemia in pregnancy in the adolescent group was significantly higher than that in age group 1 (15.36% vs 9.75%), and the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage was significantly higher than that in the age group 2 (10.71% vs 6.08%). The incidence of failed vaginal trials leading to cesarean section, amniotic fluid contamination, and episiotomy was significantly lower in the adolescent group than those in age group 2 (8.57% vs 15.22%, 10.71% vs 18.10%, 33.95% vs 40.01%) (all P<0.05). The incidence of failed vaginal trials leading to cesarean section was inversely associated with gestational age (adolescent group, OR=0.252, 95% CI: 0.123-0.515; age group 1, OR=0.673, 95% CI: 0.567-0.799) (both P<0.05); the risks of low birth weight infants (adolescent group, OR=7.440, 95% CI: 3.426-16.156; age group 1, OR=0.103, 95% CI: 0.032-0.330) and transferring to the NICU (adolescent group, OR=1.661, 95% CI: 1.120-2.463; age group 1, OR=0.360, 95% CI: 0.290-0.448) showed a U-shaped distribution in different pregnancy age groups, they were both higher in the adolescent group than those in the age group 2 (both P<0.05); the risk of episiotomy (adolescent group, OR=0.002, 95% CI: 0-0.016; age group 1, OR=1.308, 95% CI: 1.151-1.485) showed an inverted U-shape distribution across the different pregnancy age groups, it was lower in the adolescent group than that in age group 2 (both P<0.05). Conclusion:Adolescent pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of conversion to cesarean section and episiotomy due to failed vaginal delivery, but may increase the risk of low birth weight infants and transferring to NICU.

Applications and consideration for metformin in pregnancy / 中华围产医学杂志

Metformin is recognized for its dual action in lowering blood glucose levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity, positioning it as the primary oral drug for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Despite its ability to cross the placenta and expose the fetus, extensive clinical application has not revealed significant adverse effects. Metformin finds widespread application during pregnancy in conditions such as obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, T2DM, and gestational diabetes mellitus. This article aims to establish an evidence-based perspective on the impact of metformin administered during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes, as well as the long-term health of offspring. Generally deemed safe and effective, metformin is viewed as a means to control hyperglycemia and manage gestational weight gain without conspicuous adverse effects on maternal and fetal pregnancy outcomes. However, metformin alone may not suffice for achieving glycemic control, necessitating the addition of insulin. Besides, the long-term offspring risks of metformin exposure are controversial, long-term follow-up study is urgent to bring certainty into this field. Thus, tight control over indications for metformin use during pregnancy is crucial to ensure optimal maternal and fetal health outcomes. Although not suggested as a first-line agent for glycemic control in pregnancy, it may be considered as an adjunctive option in cases of severe insulin resistance or in low-resource areas where access to insulin is challenging.

Prenatal diagnosis and outcomes of 17q12 microdeletion and microduplication / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the prenatal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with 17q12 microdeletion or microduplication.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2022, 14 fetuses diagnosed with 17q12 microdeletion and three with 17q12 microduplication by chromosomal microarray analysis folloning invasive prenatal diagnostic techniques at Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Relevant articles up to February 1, 2023, were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and Yiigle with the terms "17q12 microdeletion", "17q12 microduplication", "prenatal diagnosis", and "pregnancy outcome". Eighty-four 17q12 microdeletion cases and fourteen 17q12 microduplication cases were retrieved. Prenatal ultrasound features and pregnancy outcomes of those fetuses were analyzed and summarized.Results:In this study, ninety-eight 17q12 microdeletion cases and seventeen 17q12 microduplication cases were analyzed. (1) 17q12 microdeletion: The prenatal ultrasound showed all the 17q12 microdeletion cases had renal abnormalities (100.0%, 98/98), and renal hyperechogenicity was detected in 81.6% (80/98) of them; pedigree analysis suggested that 74.2% (49/66) mutations were de novo; 64.1% (41/64) of pregnant women chose to terminate the pregnancy and 35.9%(23/64) chose to continue pregnancy; eight out of 12 live births who were followed up had different degrees of abnormalities and four were normal during the follow-up period. (2) 17q12 microduplication: Among the 17 fetuses, 10 had upper gastrointestinal obstruction; pedigree analysis suggested that four were de novo mutations (4/13); nine out of 14 pregnant women with reported pregnancy outcomes chose to terminate the pregnancy, and five continued the pregnancy to delivery; follow up of the live births found that four neonates were normal and one had a good prognosis after surgery. Conclusions:Fetuses with 17q12 microdeletion often show renal hyperechogenicity in ultrasound images, and most mutations were de novo with poor prognosis. 17q12 microduplication in fetuses is often characterized by upper gastrointestinal obstruction, and most inherited from their parents.

Clinical profile and management outcomes among patients with Carotid-Cavernous Fistula

Background@#A carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (CCF) is an abnormal communication between the internal carotid artery and/or the external carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. There is a paucity of information on the ophthalmic outcomes of endovascular treatment for CCF in the Philippines.@*Objectives@#This study aimed to describe the clinical experience of CCF in our institution in order to further our understanding of the disease. This study described the demographic profile, risk factors, and clinical features of patients with CCF, and compared the data of patients according to the type of CCF. The study discussed the changes in clinical features over time in CCF patients who chose not to undergo endovascular treatment. The study also discussed the clinical outcomes of CCF patients who underwent endovascular treatment and compared the clinical outcomes to CCF patients who did not undergo endovascular treatment.@*Methods@#A retrospective cohort study design was performed using a medical record review of patients clinically diagnosed with CCF from January 2011 to June 2019.@*Results@#One hundred twenty medical records of patients diagnosed with CCF were included. Based on angiographic findings, patients were grouped according to type of CCF, with 86 patients in Group 1 or Direct CCF, 23 patients in Group 2 or Indirect CCF, and 11 patients in Group 3 or Mixed type of CCF. The patients were also grouped according to treatment, with 109 patients in Group A, or patients who did not undergo endovascular treatment, and 11 patients in Group B, or patients who underwent endovascular treatment. There was a male predominance in CCF, most occurring in the age range of 26 to 35 years. Risk factors for CCF were trauma and hypertension. Clinical features included the presence of blurring of vision, proptosis, corkscrewing of conjunctival vessels, extraocular movement limitation, diplopia, audible bruit, elevated intraocular pressure, and pulsation. Findings on Computed Tomography scan included dilated superior ophthalmic vein, proptosis, and enlarged extraocular muscles. Direct CCF (Group 1) occurred mostly in males, with mean age of 39.1 years, and with trauma as the major risk factor. Indirect CCF (Group 2) occurred mostly in females, with mean age of 52.1 years, and with hypertension as the major risk factor. Regardless of the type of CCF, patients who did not undergo endovascular treatment can exhibit spontaneous improvement or worsening of clinical features. Patients who underwent endovascular treatment generally had favorable clinical outcomes, manifesting as either improvement or no worsening of features. There were minimal ophthalmic complications associated with treatment.@*Conclusion@#Endovascular treatment is safe and effective in the improvement of visual acuity, corkscrewing of conjunctival vessels, amount of proptosis, extraocular movement limitation, diplopia, and presence of audible bruit.

Description of post-discharge outcomes of patients with COVID-19 in a Tertiary Referral Center in the Philippines

Background and Objectives@#The immediate post-discharge period of COVID-19 patients is a vulnerable state due to several complications that may arise during this time. Some patients get readmitted shortly after being discharged while others report persistence of symptoms, develop specialized needs, or observe a decline from their baseline functional capacity. Information on the outcomes of post-COVID discharge patients in our institution is currently lacking. This study described the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 after their discharge from the service areas of Philippine General Hospital.@*Methods@#This study is a retrospective chart review involving charts of all adult patients discharged from the PGH COVID service areas last August 2021 to October 2021. Data from their follow up consults at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-discharge were reviewed. Baseline characteristics and post-discharge outcomes including post-COVID symptoms, special care needs, mortality, rehospitalization, emergency consult, level of dependence, and ability to return to work were assessed.@*Results@#A total of 171 patient charts were included. The mean age of patients was 53.7 years. Most were male (60.2%), unemployed (59.7%), non-smoker (55%), hypertensive (57.9%), diabetic (50.2%), and obese (50.2%). Most of them were oxygen requiring (80%) and with severe to critical COVID infection (72.5%) during admission. At 3 months post-discharge, 113 (66%) were stable and able to complete the follow up, 8 (4.6%) died, 9 (5.2%) got readmitted, and 41 (23.9%) were lost to follow up. Among those who were able to follow up after 3 months, 84 (74%) were asymptomatic. Among those who remained symptomatic, the most common symptoms were dyspnea, fatigue, and cough. After 3 months, 100 (88%) did not require special care needs, 100 (88%) were fully independent, and 45 (39.8%) were able to return to baseline work.@*Conclusions@#Despite the majority of patients having severe to critical COVID infection during admission, most were asymptomatic within 3 months post-discharge. In those who developed persistent symptoms, dyspnea, cough, and fatigue were the most common symptoms identified regardless of COVID severity. Majority did not require special care needs.

Clinical profile and outcomes of Ocular Dermoid Cysts at the Philippine General Hospital

Objective@#This study described the clinical profile and outcomes of patients with ocular dermoid cysts at a subspecialty Ophthalmology clinic of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). @*Methods@#Medical records of 38 patients seen at the External Disease & Cornea Clinic from January 2012 to June 2023 were reviewed. Demographics, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, other associated malformations, and dermoid characteristics were collected. For those that underwent surgery, the procedures performed and histopathology reports were reviewed. Most recent refraction, BCVA, presence of amblyopia, recurrence, and complications were recorded. @*Results@#Mean age at presentation was 8.33 years old with equal male:female distribution (52% vs 48%). Thirtyfour (34) participants (89.5%) had unilateral dermoids and 4 participants (10.5%) had bilateral dermoids, for a total of 42 eyes. Thirty-five (35) or 83.3% of the dermoids were located at the inferotemporal quadrant of the cornea. There were 42.1% participants who had associated congenital anomalies, with dermolipoma and preauricular tags being the most common ocular and craniofacial findings, respectively. Twenty-seven (27) eyes (64.2%) underwent surgery and the most common procedure was excision with limbal conjunctival autograft (55.6%). In the 8 eyes that underwent simple excision, recurrence of the dermoid was seen in 1 patient and development of pseudopterygium in 5 patients. Dermoid was the histopathological diagnosis in 96.3% of the excised tissues. Twenty-four (24) patients (63.2%) presented with ambylopia with BCVA <20/30, and regardless of type of intervention done, only 7 participants (23.3%) had a visual acuity better than 20/30 during their latest consult.@*Conclusion@#Ocular dermoid is a common congential anomaly usually presenting as an isolated, unilateral mass at the inferotemporal limbal area. Aside from the obvious effect on the cosmetic appearance of the eye, a more pressing concern is the high incidence of amblyopia. Timely excision with limbal conjunctival autograft is highly recommended coupled with aggressive amblyopia therapy.

Preliminary observation of PAUL glaucoma implant in glaucoma treatment / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To preliminarily assess the efficacy and safety of PAUL glaucoma implant in glaucoma management.METHODS: Clinical data of 10 glaucoma patients(10 eyes)who treated with Paul's glaucoma implant from March 2022 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. A follow-up of 12 mo was performed to observe changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and number of anti-glaucoma medications before and after surgery.RESULTS: Included patients had no significant change in visual acuity from preoperative to last follow-up; preoperative intraocular pressure was 19-60(median 28)mmHg, and it was 10-18(median 14)mmHg at last follow-up. All patients required two to four antiglaucoma medications preoperatively, and only 1 case needed medications at final follow-up. Four patients had a significant decrease in corneal endothelial cell density compared with the preoperative period, and no corneal-related complications occurred. At final follow-up, all 10 patients met surgical success criteria.CONCLUSION: PAUL glaucoma implant has significant IOP lowering efficacy and that corneal endothelial cell damage may be a pitfall of its presence.

Association of global cardiac sphericity index and neonatal outcomes of appropriate for gestational age fetuses, small for gestational age fetuses, and growth-restricted fetuses delivered at term in Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital: A prospective cohort study / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Objective@#The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the global cardiac sphericity index (GCSI) of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses, small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses, and growth-restricted fetuses scanned at term in a government tertiary hospital, maternal high risk (MHR) and to determine the association between the GCSI of these three groups of fetuses and their neonatal outcomes.@*Methodology@#The study prospectively evaluated and compared the GCSI of AGA, SGA, and growth-restricted fetuses. Pregnant women at term seen at the outpatient department and scanned at the MHR clinic then eventually delivered in the same hospital from March to May 2022 were included in this study.@*Results@#GCSIs were measured with 147 fetuses (106 AGA, 38 SGA, and 3 growth‑restricted fetuses). The result indicated that the GCSI of AGA fetuses was higher than that of the SGA and growth‑restricted fetuses. This study found that there is a significantly higher frequency of abnormal GSCI among SGA and growth‑restricted fetuses. This study also found that there is no statistically significant correlation between the GCSI measurements of these three groups of fetuses and their neonatal outcomes.@*Conclusions@#Abnormal GCSIs were found in fetuses with an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile (more specifically in growth‑restricted fetuses than in those who are just SGA) as compared with AGA fetuses. However, the correlation between an abnormal GCSI in any of these three groups of fetuses and their neonatal outcomes needs further investigation.

Outcomes of patients newly-diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus managed in a Tertiary Training and Referral Hospital in the Philippines

Objective@#To determine the one-year outcomes of newly-diagnosed patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a tertiary government hospital in Manila, Philippines.@*Methods@#After ethics approval, we reviewed the medical records of a cohort of 44 newly-diagnosed SLE patients at 6- and 12-months post-diagnosis in 2018-2019. The outcomes of interest were: modified lupus low disease activity state as defined (mLLDAS), remission, hospitalization, 30-day readmission, organ damage, and mortality.@*Results@#The patients were predominantly young females (mean age of 29 ± 9.9 years). There was an average interval period of six months between onset of symptoms and diagnosis (6.4 ± 10.8 months). The most common manifestations were mucocutaneous (86.4%), hematologic (63.6%), musculoskeletal (61.4%), and renal disorder (47.7%). There was at least one positive serologic test in 88.7%. Five patients (11.4%) had comorbidity, usually hypertension (9.1%). The initial lupus treatment consisted of moderate to high doses of glucocorticoids and hydroxychloroquine. Patients with life-threatening or organ-threatening disease, usually nephritis, received cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil. One patient received rituximab. Fewer patients with nephritis received cyclophosphamide infusions during the first six months compared to the later six months. Most of the hospitalizations (34/36) occurred during the first six months and 22 of these were for diagnosis. Seven patients had more than one hospitalization and five (20%) had 30-day readmissions. mLLDAS was achieved by 15 (34.1%) and 30 (68.2%) patients at 6- and 12- months, respectively. Only one patient was in remission a year after diagnosis. Seven patients (15.9%) were assessed with organ damage, six (13.64%) of them at 6-months post-diagnosis. Organ damage was most commonly renal. Four (9.1%) patients died, all during their initial hospitalization.@*Conclusion@#In our population observed over a period of one year (2018-2019), there was a very low rate of remission (1/44, 2.3%), mLLDAS in 68.2%, and organ damage in 15.9%. Most of the hospitalizations (65%) were for the diagnosis of lupus and all deaths (9.1%) occurred during this first hospital confinement. We must intensify our efforts to (1) achieve earlier diagnosis, (2) deliver optimal lupus treatment and supportive care during the first lupus hospitalization, and (3) initiate early and persistent immunosuppressive treatment for nephritis to improve outcomes for our patents with SLE.