Analysis of pregnancy outcomes, disease progression, and risk factors in patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the fetal and maternal outcomes, risk factors of disease progression and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) in patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD).@*METHODS@#This retrospective study described the outcomes of 106 pregnancies in patients with UCTD. The patients were divided into APOs group (n=53) and non-APOs group (n=53). The APOs were defined as miscarriage, premature birth, pre-eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and stillbirth, small for gestational age infant (SGA), low birth weight infant (LBW) and birth defects. The differences in clinical manifestations, laboratory data and pregnancy outcomes between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for APOs and the progression of UCTD to definitive CTD.@*RESULTS@#There were 99 (93.39%) live births, 4 (3.77%) stillbirths and 3 (2.83%) miscarriage, 20 (18.86%) preterm delivery, 6 (5.66%) SGA, 17 (16.03%) LBW, 11 (10.37%) pre-eclampsia, 7 (6.60%) cases IUGR, 19 (17.92%) cases PROM, 10 (9.43%) cases PPH. Compared with the patients without APOs, the patients with APOs had a higher positive rate of anti-SSA antibodies (73.58% vs. 54.71%, P=0.036), higher rate of leukopenia (15.09% vs. 3.77%, P=0.046), lower haemoglobin level [109.00 (99.50, 118.00) g/L vs. 124.00 (111.50, 132.00) g/L, P < 0.001].Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that leucopenia (OR=0.82, 95%CI: 0.688-0.994) was an independent risk factors for APOs in UCTD (P=0.042). Within a mean follow-up time of 5.00 (3.00, 7.00) years, the rate of disease progression to a definite CTD was 14.15%, including 8 (7.54%) Sjögren's syndrome, 4 (3.77%) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 4 (3.77%) rheumatoid arthritis and 1 (0.94%) mixed connective tissue disease. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that Raynaud phenomenon (HR=40.157, 95%CI: 3.172-508.326) was an independent risk factor for progression to SLE.@*CONCLUSION@#Leukopenia is an independent risk factor for the development of APOs in patients with UCTD. Raynaud's phenmon is a risk factor for the progression of SLE. Tight disease monitoring and regular follow-up are the key measures to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and predict disease progression in UCTD patients with pregnancy.

Complicações gestacionais e perinatais em mulheres com síndrome dos ovários policísticos / Gestational and perinatal complications in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é uma condição endócrina frequente em mulheres em idade reprodutiva. O quadro clínico é manifesto por anovulação crônica hiperandrogênica, acompanhada muitas vezes de infertilidade; além disso, essa condição está associada ao aumento de distúrbios do metabolismo glicídico e a diversos outros riscos em longo prazo. Uma vez gestante, a mulher portadora de SOP apresenta risco aumentado em 2,8 vezes para o diabetes gestacional, em 2,0 a 4,0 vezes para o desenvolvimento de síndromes hipertensivas da gestação e em 2,3 vezes para internação em UTI neonatal. Independentemente do excesso de peso, que é comumente associado à síndrome e que certamente potencializa o risco de complicações, a SOP por si só promove alterações que cursam com a elevação dessas complicações. Esta é uma revisão narrativa sobre as potenciais complicações gestacionais relacionadas à SOP e compila a literatura mais atual sobre o tema.(AU)

Síndrome antifosfolipídico, lupus eritematoso sistémico y tromboembolismo pulmonar / Antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and pulmonary thromboembolism. Case presentation

El síndrome antifosfolipídico o de Hughes, como también se le conoce, puede aparecer de manera aislada o asociado a otras enfermedades autoinmunes como el lupus eritematoso sistémico. La asociación de ambas entidades puede causar varias complicaciones, como el tromboembolismo pulmonar. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 28 años de edad, con antecedentes de abortos a repetición y óbito fetal, ingresada en esta ocasión, debido a una trombosis venosa profunda del miembro superior derecho, confirmada mediante ecografía Doppler. Se comprobó el diagnóstico de síndrome antifosfolipídico secundario a lupus eritematoso sistémico, sustentado por los elementos clínicos e inmunitarios presentes. La paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente, con el protocolo terapéutico empleado en fase aguda: heparina de bajo peso molecular del tipo clexane (enoxaparina) 1 mg/kg cada 12 h y dicumarínicos del tipo warfarina 5 mg con una razón normalizada internacional (INR) de 3. Se mantiene actualmente con una dosis de 10 mg/día e hidroxicloroquina 200 mg diarios. Conclusiones: Se resalta la importancia de diagnosticar el síndrome antifosfolipídico, ante toda paciente con abortos espontáneos o muertes perinatales inexplicables. El tratamiento debe ser multidisciplinario y se debe realizar una búsqueda sistemática de afecciones secundarias (particularmente enfermedades difusas del tejido conectivo) antes de calificar al síndrome como primario(AU)

The antiphospholipid or Hughes syndrome, as it is also known, can appear in isolation or in association with other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. The association of both entities can cause various complications, such as pulmonary thromboembolism. We present the case of a 28-year-old patient, with a history of repeated abortions and stillbirth, admitted on this occasion due to deep vein thrombosis of the right upper limb, confirmed by Doppler ultrasound. The diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus was confirmed, supported by the clinical and immune elements present. The patient evolved satisfactorily, with the therapeutic protocol used in the acute phase, where she initially received treatment with low molecular weight heparin of the type clexane (enoxaparin) 1 mg x kg every 12 hours, and discoumarin drugs of the warfarin type, which she currently maintains at a 5mg dose with an INR of 3. Initially prednisone was placed at a dose of 1mg x kg with good therapeutic response, currently maintaining a 10mg dose. He is also currently on hydroxychloroquine 200 mg daily. Conclusions: The importance of diagnosing the antiphospholipid syndrome is highlighted in all patients with spontaneous abortions or unexplained perinatal deaths. Treatment should be multidisciplinary and a systematic search for secondary conditions (particularly diffuse connective tissue diseases) should be conducted before qualifying the syndrome as primary(AU)

Factors associated with spontaneous abortion: a systematic review / Fatores associados ao aborto espontâneo: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Objectives: to compile studies produced regardinggenetic and non-genetic risks factors associated with occurrence of spontaneous abortion. Methods: it talks about a systematic review article, with studies between January of 2008 to November of 2018 according to SciELO, PubMed, Lilacs and BVS. Results: in total, 567 articles were found. After applying the definedeligibility criteria, 44 articles made part of the review, being the majority published on Asia between 2008 and 2011, and 10 articles published on Brazil. Not genetic causes like sociodemographic factors and healthy state were among the most associated conditions of spontaneous abortion. Asiatic continent had predominance about the correlation of spontaneous abortion with factors related to life style like obesity, smoking and labor activities, on the other hand, in the Americas, causes related to sociodemographics factors like low pay and low studies are high-lighted. Conclusions: the risk factors change about the occurrence region, being important to make local studies capable of subsidize the implantation of public politics and to reduce abortions.

Resumo Objetivos: compilar estudos produzidos acerca dos fatores de risco genéticos e não genéticos associados a ocorrência de aborto espontâneo. Métodos: trata-se de um artigo de revisão sistemática, com estudos publicados entre janeiro de 2008 a novembro de 2018 nas bases de dados SciELO, PubMed, Lilacs e BVS. Resultados: um total de 567 artigos foram encontrados. Após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade definidos, 44 artigos compuseram a presente revisão com a maioria publicada na Ásia, entre os anos de 2008 a 2011, e 10 artigos publicados no Brasil. Causas não genéticas, como fatores sociodemográficos e estado de saúde, estiveram entre as condições mais associadas ao abortamento espontâneo. No continente asiático houve predominância na correlação do aborto espontâneo com fatores relacionados ao estilo de vida como obesidade, tabagismo e atividades laborais; já nas Américas destacam-se causas relacionadas aos fatores sociodemográficos, como baixa renda e baixa escolaridade. Conclusões: os fatores de risco diferem em relação a região de ocorrência, sendo importante a realização de estudos detalhados para que sejam capazes de subsidiar a implantação de políticas públicas e, assim, minorar a ocorrência de abortos.

Antiphospholipid syndrome and neurofibromatosis type I: a coincidence or new association? / Síndrome antifosfolípide e neurofibromatose tipo I: uma coincidência ou nova associação?

ABSTRACT - Numerous studies have reported on structural vascular anomalies and ischemia associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 that are thought to stem from dysfunction of neurofibromin, the neurofibromatosis type 1 protein. Documented cases of associated antiphospholipid syndrome fulfilling the accepted diagnostic criteria are exceptionally rare, with only three cases reported in the literature. Here, we report on a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a history of spontaneous abortions presenting with sudden vision loss in the right eye and swelling of the optic nerve head. Fluorescein angiography indicated anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed findings consistent with left cavernous sinus meningioma. Serologic testing demonstrated persistently elevated anti-b2-glycoprotein antibodies. Her findings suggested antiphospholipid syndrome with concomitant clinical and laboratory evidence of antiphospholipid syndrome: frequent abortions, a vaso-occlusive episode, and persistently elevated antiphospholipid syndrome antibodies. To our knowledge, this case represents the first neuro-ophthalmic manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.

RESUMO - Inúmeros estudos têm relatado anomalias vasculares estruturais e isquemia associada com à neurofibromatose tipo 1 que, acredita-se, resultam da disfunção da neurofibromina, a proteína tipo 1 da neurofibromatose. Casos documentados de síndrome antifosfolípide associada que atendem aos critérios diagnósticos aceitos são excepcionalmente raros, com apenas três casos relatados na literatura. Aqui, relatamos um paciente com neurofibromatose tipo 1 e histórico de abortos espontâneos apresentando perda repentina de visão no olho direito e edema de cabeça do nervo óptico. A angiofluoresceínografia indicou neuropatia óptica isquêmica anterior. Ressonância magnética cerebral revelou achados compatíveis com meningioma do seio cavernoso esquerdo. O teste sorológico demonstrou anticorpos anti-b2 glicoproteína persistentemente elevados. Seus achados sugerem síndrome antifosfolípide com evidências clínicas e laboratoriais concomitantes de síndrome antifosfolipídica: abortos frequentes, episódio vaso-oclusivo e anticorpos antifosfolípides persistentemente elevados. Pelo nosso conhecimento, este caso pode representar a primeira manifestação neuro-oftálmica da síndrome antifosfolípide associada à neurofibromatose tipo 1.

Effectiveness of insulin analogs compared with human insulins in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis / Efetividade dos análogos da insulina comparados às insulinas humanas em gestantes com diabetes mellitus: Revisão sistemática com metanálise

Abstract Diabetes during pregnancy has been linked to unfavorable maternal-fetal outcomes. Human insulins are the first drug of choice because of the proven safety in their use. However, there are still questions about the use of insulin analogs during pregnancy. The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of insulin analogs compared withhuman insulin in the treatment of pregnant women with diabetes througha systematic review withmeta-analysis. The search comprised the period since the inception of each database until July 2017, and the following databases were used:MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, ISIWeb of Science, LILACS, Scopus, SIGLE andGoogle Scholar.We have selected 29 original articles: 11 were randomized clinical trials and 18 were observational studies.We have explored data from 6,382 participants. All of the articles were classified as having an intermediate to high risk of bias. The variable that showed favorable results for the use of insulin analogs was gestational age, with a mean difference of - 0.26 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.49; p = 0.02), but with significant heterogeneity (Higgins test [I2] = 38%; chi-squared test [χ2] = 16.24; degree of freedom [DF] = 10; p = 0.09). This result, in the clinical practice, does not compromise the fetal well-being, since all babies were born at term. There was publication bias in the gestational age and neonatal weight variables. To date, the evidence analyzed has a moderate-to-high risk of bias and does not allow the conclusion that insulin analogs are more effective when compared with human insulin to treat diabetic pregnant women.

Resumo Diabetes durante a gestação tem sido relacionado a desfechos materno-fetais desfavoráveis. As insulinas humanas são a primeira escolha medicamentosa, devido à comprovada segurança no seu uso. Entretanto, ainda há questionamentos sobre o uso dos análogos da insulina na gestação. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a efetividade dos análogos da insulina comparados às insulinas humanas no tratamento de gestantes com diabetes por meio de uma revisão sistemática com metanálise. A busca compreendeu desde o início de cada base de dados até julho de 2017, e foi realizada nos seguintes bancos de dados: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, LILACS, Scopus, SIGLE e Google Scholar. Selecionamos 29 artigos originais, sendo 11 ensaios clínicos randomizados e 18 estudos observacionais. Exploramos dados de 6.382 participantes. Todos os artigos foram classificados como sendo de intermediário a alto risco de viés. A variável que demonstrou resultado favorável ao uso dos análogos da insulina foi idade gestacional, com uma diferençamédia de - 0.26 (95% índice de confiança [IC]: 0.03-0.49; p = 0.02), porém com heterogeneidade significativa (teste de Higgins [I2] = 38%; teste do qui quadrado [χ2] =16.24; graus de liberdade [GL] =10; p = 0.09). Esse resultado, na prática clínica, não compromete o bem-estar fetal, uma vez que todos os bebês nasceram a termo. Houve viés de publicação nas variáveis idade gestacional e peso neonatal. Até o momento, as evidências analisadas possuem um risco de viés moderado a elevado e não permitem concluir que os análogos da insulina sejam mais efetivos em comparação às insulinas humanas para tratar gestantes diabéticas.

Diagnosis and treatment of antiphospholipid antibody-related recurrent spontaneous abortion and analysis of therapeutic drugs and pregnancy outcome in 75 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Recurrent spontaneous abortion is one of the common complications in women of childbearing age during pregnancy. The immune factor accounts for a large proportion of many causes. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is the most common type of acquired thrombophilia disease. Autoimmune diseases that cause thrombosis and obstetric complications under the action of antibodies are also the most common type of immune-related recurrent abortion. At present, there is no unified opinion on the treatment of this disease, especially the treatment of immunoglobulins and other drugs like glucocorticoid. Here we reviewed the progress of diagnosis and treatment of antiphospholipid antibody-related recurrent abortions and retrospectively analyzed and summarized the drug regimens and pregnancy outcomes of this disease with pregnancy patients in our hospital. A total of 75 patients were included. According to their clinical manifestations and laboratory results, these patients were basically divided into two categories: classical antiphospholipid syndrome and non-classical antiphospholipid syndrome. The latter was further divided into serum-negative antiphospholipid syndrome and antiphospholipid antibody-related recurrent abortion patients based on their clinical manifestations and antiphospholipid antibody results. The patients were divided into four categories: aspirin + hydroxychloroquine, aspirin + low molecular weight heparin, aspirin + low molecular weight heparin + hydroxychloroquine, aspirin + hydroxychloroquine + low molecular weight heparin + low dose glucocorticoids. Among them, aspirin + hydroxychloroquine + low molecular weight heparin + low dose glucocorticoid treatment regimen was most commonly used. Most of the patients who received the above different treatment regimens achieved full-term infants, and a small number of patients had adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as premature delivery, placental abruption, eclampsia, and fetal malformation. And adverse pregnancy outcomes also occurred in this group. It might be related to the severity of the disease and the potential adverse effects of maternal fetal. However, further statistical analysis is needed for the risk factors affecting the pregnancy outcome of this part of patients.

Relapse of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, after spontaneous remission, in a second-trimester primigravida: case report and review of the literature / Recidiva, após remissão espontânea, de púrpura trombocitopênica trombótica congênita em primigesta no segundo trimestre de gestação: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Thrombotic microangiopathy syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP-HUS) describes distinct diseases sharing common pathological features: microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, without any other apparent cause. CASE REPORT: An 18-year-old second-trimester primigravida presented with a history of fifteen days of intense weakness, followed by diarrhea over the past six days. She reported having had low platelets since childhood, but said that she had never had bleeding or menstrual abnormalities. Laboratory investigation showed anemia with schistocytes, thrombocytopenia and hypohaptoglobulinemia. Red blood cell concentrate and platelet transfusions were performed. The hypothesis of TTP or HUS was put forward and ADAMTS13 enzyme activity was investigated. The patient evolved with increasing platelet counts, even without specific treatment, and she was discharged. One month afterwards, she returned presenting weakness and swollen face and legs, which had developed one day earlier. The ADAMTS13 activity was less than 5%, without presence of autoantibodies. Regarding the two previous admissions (at 9 and 16 years of age), with similar clinical features, there was spontaneous remission on the first occasion and, on the second, the diagnosis of TTP was suspected and plasmapheresis was performed, but ADAMTS13 activity was not investigated. CONCLUSION: To date, this is the only report of congenital TTP with two spontaneous remissions in the literature This report reveals the importance of suspicion of this condition in the presence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia without any other apparent cause.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A síndrome de microangiopatia trombótica, ou púrpura trombocitopênica trombótica-síndrome hemolítico urêmica (PTT-SHU), descreve doenças diversas com clínica e achados patológicos comuns: anemia hemolítica microangiopática e trombocitopenia, na ausência de outra causa aparente. RELATO DO CASO: Primigesta de 18 anos no segundo trimestre apresenta-se com quadro de 15 dias de fraqueza intensa seguida por diarreia há seis dias. Relata ter plaquetas baixas desde a infância e nega sangramentos e anormalidades menstruais. Investigação laboratorial identificou anemia com esquizócitos, plaquetopenia e hipo-haptoglobulinemia. Foi realizada transfusão de plaquetas e concentrado de hemácias. A hipótese de PTT ou SHU foi aventada e realizou-se pesquisa da atividade da enzima ADAMTS13. A paciente evoluiu com elevação das plaquetas, mesmo sem tratamento específico, tendo alta. Retornou após um mês da alta com queixa de fraqueza há um dia e inchaço de face e pernas. A atividade da ADAMTS13 foi menor que 5%, sem autoanticorpos. Nas duas internações anteriores (aos 9 e 16 anos), com quadros similares, houve remissão espontânea na primeira internação e, na segunda, o diagnóstico de PTT foi suspeitado e foi realizada plasmaférese, porém sem a pesquisa da atividade da ADAMTS13. CONCLUSÃO: Até esta data, este é único relato de TTP congênita com duas remissões espontâneas na literatura. Este relato revela a importância da suspeição desta patologia na presença de anemia hemolítica microangiopática e trombocitopenia sem outra causa aparente.

Les déterminants de la fausse couche spontanée précoce

Objectifs : Cette étude vise à identifier les facteurs déterminants de la survenue d'une fausse couche spontanée précoce.Patients et méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude cas-témoins effectuée à l'Hôpital Universitaire de Gynécologie Obstétrique de Befelatanana (HUGOB) (Antananarivo). Les cas sont constitués par toutes les femmes présentant une fausse couche spontanée précoce avec test de grossesse positif et les témoins sont constitués par des femmes ayant accouché.Résultats : Cette étude a permis de répertorier 75 cas et 150 témoins. La survenue d'une fausse couche spontanée précoce est déterminée significativement par la l'antécédent de fausse couche spontanée (OR = 2,31 [1,23-4,33], les habitudes toxiques (OR = 3,05 [1,17-7,94]), quelques facteurs professionnels à savoir : l'exercice d'une profession demandant un effort physique à 100% (OR = 2,68 [1,42-5,05]), la longue durée de travail dans la journée (> 8 heures) (OR = 3,08 [1,64-5,8]), le nombre de jour de travail dans la semaine (> 5 jours) (OR = 1,79 [0,95-3,38]), la position assise durant le travail (OR = 2,71 [0,97-4,88]).Conclusion : L'encouragement des femmes enceintes à réaliser régulièrement les consultations prénatales et l'amélioration des conditions de travail des femmes enceintes sont nécessaires pour diminuer les risques de la fausse couche spontanée précoce

A doença celíaca como causa de infertilidade feminina: uma revisão sistemática / Celiac disease as a cause of women infertility: a systematic review

A doença celíaca (DC) apresenta, além de alterações gastrintestinais, manifestações atípicas, como infertilidade. O trabalho objetivou demonstrar a relação entre DC e infertilidade feminina, bem como elucidar a importância de sua triagem, por via sorológica, em mulheres com infertilidade de causa desconhecida. Revisão sistemática de 40 artigos publicados entre 1999 e 2014, por meio de buscas sistemáticas utilizando as bases de dados MEDLINE (via PUBMED), LILACS e SciELO. A prevalência de DC no Brasil foi de um para 681 em grupos presumivelmente sadios e 1 para 293 em adultos e crianças sem queixas gastrintestinais. Foi descrito relação entre anticorpos presentes na DC e desordens do aparelho reprodutor feminino, determinando supressão de fatores de crescimento, alterações das funções secretoras da placenta, dano trofoblástico e apoptose tecidual. Além disso, a atrofia das vilosidades na DC promove deficiência nutricional, determinando oligomenorreia, metrorragia e dismenorreia. No recém-nascido, observou-se prematuridade, pré-eclâmpsia e indivíduos pequenos para idade gestacional. A grande relevância do diagnóstico se dá pelo fato de o tratamento poder prevenir danos tanto para o feto quanto para a mãe. Existe relação entre DC e infertilidade e a triagem sorológica em mulheres com infertilidade de causa desconhecida está indicada.(AU)

The celiac disease (DC) presents gastrintestinal alterations, as well as unusual signs such as infertility. The objective of this review is to demonstrate the relation between DC and woman infertility, and show the importance of its screening through serological methods in women with unexplained infertility. Systematic review of 40 published articles between 1999 and 2014, through systematic search using MEDLINE (via PUBMED), LILACS e SciELO databases. The prevalence of DC in Brazil was from one to 681 in healthy groups and from one to 293 in adults and children without gastrointestinal complaints. It was described a relation between antibodies present in DC and women reproductive system disorders, determining suppression of growth factors, alterations in the secretory placenta functions, trophoblastic damage and tissue apoptosis. Besides that, the atrophy of intestinal villus in DC promotes nutritional deficiency, determining oligomenorrhea, metrorrhagia e dysmenorrhea. In newborns, it was observed prematurity, pre-eclampsia and small individuals for gestational age. The biggest relevance of the diagnosis is due to the fact of the treatment to prevent damage for the fetus as well as the mother. There is a relation between DC and infertility so, the sorological screening in women with unexplained infertility is recommended.(AU)

Spontaneous abortions (miscarriages): analysis of cases at a tertiary center in North Central Nigeria

Background: Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) is a source of pregnancy loss globally. Its management; especially in low resource countries remains hampered by inadequate facilities for evaluation. Objectives: To assess the clinical presentation; diagnosis; and treatment of cases of spontaneous abortion at a tertiary hospital in Ilorin; Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive study of all spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) managed at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; Ilorin; Nigeria between January 1; 2007 and December 31; 2011. The records were retrieved from the medical records department and necessary information retrieved. Results: There were 603 miscarriages with a prevalence of 4.2; incomplete miscarriage was the most common 254 (42.1); 356 (59.0) had no identifiable risk factor; 434 (72) of the women were 35 years; 361 (59.9) had first trimester miscarriages; 272 (45.1) were of low parity (Para 0-1) and 223 (37) were having a repeat miscarriage. Of the 141 managed for threatened miscarriage; pregnancy was salvaged in 90 (63.8); 244 (40.5) had surgical evacuation with 100 success rate while 218 (36.2) had medical management with 90.8 success rate. The mean duration of admission was shortest with surgical management (2.03 ? 1.1 days) and post-abortion infection rate was 11 (2.6 success rate. The mean duration of admission was shortest with surgical management (2.03 ? 1.1 days) and post-abortion infection rate was 11 (2.6). Histology confirmed product of conception in 98 and molar gestation in 2 of the samples; no mortality was recorded in this study. Conclusion: More than half of women with miscarriages had no identifiable risk factors mainly due to limitation in facilities for evaluation; there is a need to improve facilities for investigating women with spontaneous abortions in developing countries to identify the causes of the losses

Recurrent spontaneous miscarriage is still a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic quagmire

Recurrent spontaneous miscarriage [RSM], affecting 1-2% of women of reproductive age seeking pregnancy, has been a clinical quagmire and a formidable challenge for the treating physician. There are many areas of controversy in the definition, aetiology, investigations and treatment of RSM. This review will address the many factors involved in the aetiology of RSM which is multifactorial in many patients, with antiphospholipid syndrome [APS] being the most recognized aetiological factor. There is no identifiable cause in about 40-60% of these patients, in which case the condition is classified as idiopathic or unexplained RSM. The RSM investigations are extensive and should be undertaken in dedicated, specialized, well-equipped clinics/centres where services are provided by trained specialists. The challenges faced by the treating physician are even more overwhelming regarding the decision of what should be the most appropriate therapy offered to patients with RSM. Our review will cover the diverse modalities of therapy available including the role of preimplantation genetic testing using recent microarray technology, such as single nucleotide polymorphism and comparative genomic hybridization, as well as preimplantation genetic diagnosis; the greatest emphasis will be on the treatment of APS, and there will be important comments on the management of patients presenting with idiopathic RSM. The controversial areas of the role of natural killer cells in RSM, the varied modalities in the management of idiopathic RSM and the need for better-planned studies will be covered as well

Maternal and fetal outcomes in diabetic pregnant women

To assess maternal and fetal outcomes in Jordanian women with known Diabetes Mellitus or Gestational Diabetes. A retrospective medical record review was conducted on 234 pregnant women who were followed at the National Center for Diabetes Endocrinology and Genetics and Gynecological Department in Jordan University Hospital between 2004 and 2009. A total of 148 subjects had Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and 86 had known diabetes mellitus [Type 1 = 28, Type 2 = 58]. Caesarean section was more frequent in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus subjects than in Diabetes Mellitus group [47.3% vs. 44.2%]. The frequency of pre-term delivery tends to be higher in Diabetes Mellitus group than Gestational Diabetes Mellitus group [9.3% vs. 8.1%]. Abortion was more common in Diabetes Mellitus group than Gestational Diabetes Mellitus group [11.6% vs.4%]. Macrosomia, hypoglycemia, hypocalcaemia, polycythemia and congenital malformation were more common in Diabetes Mellitus group than Gestational Diabetes Mellitus group. The results showed that Diabetes Mellitus group witnessed more abortion and pre-term delivery compared to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus groups. The caesarean section was higher in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus compared to Diabetes Mellitus group. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus group had better fetal outcome than the Diabetes Mellitus group, indicating that Diabetes Mellitus [type 1, type 2] in pregnancy is a serious condition.

relationship between cytokine gene polymorphism and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion in Saudi females

To investigate the relationships between unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion [RSA] and single nucleotide polymorphisms tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] [-238 G/A, -308 G/A], interleukin [IL]-6 [-634 G/C] and IL-10 [-592 C/A] in the promoter region of 3 different interleukin [TNF- alpha, IL-6, and IL-10] genes. The study group comprised 65 women [mean age: 34.1 +/- 6. 2; range: 15-45 years] with unexplained RSA, consecutively referred to the Recurrent Abortion Clinic, King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from January 2010 to January 2011. The control group consisted of 65 females with at least 2 successful pregnancies and no history of abortion. Blood samples were drawn and deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] was extracted using Puregene DNA purification kit. Utilizing polymerase chain reaction, the promoter region was amplified and sequenced on an Applied Biosystems Integrated sequencer to study the polymorphic sites of interest. All polymorphisms were identified in the case and control samples. A significant association was identified only between the -308 G/A polymorphism in the TNF- alpha gene promoter and the occurrence of unexplained RSA, and there was no significant association with other positions. The TNF- alpha gene polymorphism at position -308 could be a genetic predisposing factor for unexplained RSA

Resultados obstétricos e perinatais subsequentes à morte intrauterina na primeira gravidez / Obstetric and perinatal outcomes after intrauterine death in the first pregnancy

Introdução: A história de um óbito fetal apresenta risco aumentado do mesmo evento nas gravidezes subsequentes, ainda que existam resultados conflitantes quanto à taxa de prematuridade e de recém-natos de baixo peso. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os resultados obstétricos e perinatais de pacientes secundíparas que apresentaram morte fetal na gravidez anterior. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo caso-controle, com seleção de casos incidentes e controles consecutivos, realizado no período de Março/1998 a Dezembro/2008, em que foram analisadas variáveis maternas e perinatais. Para a análise estatística utilizaram-se médias, desvios padrões, teste T de Student e Mann-Whitney para variáveis numéricas, qui-quadrado para variáveis categóricas e estimativa de risco pelo Odds Ratio com IC95%. Para todos os testes foi adotado nível de significância (alfa) de 5%. Resultados: De um total de 15.450 gestantes, foram selecionadas 58 gestantes (0,38%) secundíparas cuja primeira gestação tenha sido relacionada a óbito fetal. Os fatores de exposição identificados foram recém-nascidos com peso ≤2.500g [12(20,7%) vs. 4(2,3%); p<0,0001; OR 11,1], internação em ambiente de intensivismo neonatal [15(27,8%) vs. 22(13,0%); p<0,05; OR 2,4] e neomortalidade precoce [5(8,9%) vs. 2(1,2); p<0,01; OR 8,1], na gestação subsequente. Não foi observada associação com índices de Apgar <7 no 1º e 5º minutos, recorrência do óbito fetal e ocorrência de síndrome hipertensiva. Conclusão: Os fatores de exposição foram maior incidência de neonatos de baixo peso, de internação em ambiente de intensivismo neonatal e de neomortalidade precoce (AU)

Introduction: The history of a stillbirth increases the risk of the same event in subsequent pregnancies, although there are conflicting results regarding the rate of premature and newborn babies of low birth weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the obstetric and perinatal outcome of secundiparous women who presented fetal death in previous pregnancy. Methods: This is a case-control study, with selection of incident cases and consecutive controls conducted from Mar 1998 to Dec 2008, in which maternal and perinatal variables were analyzed. For the statistical analysis we used means, standard deviations, Student's t test and Mann-Whitney test for numeric variables, chi-square test for categorical variables, and odds ratios with 95% CI for risk estimate. The level of significance (alpha) was 5% for all tests. Results: From a total of 15,450 pregnant women, we selected 58 secundiparous women (0.38%) whose first pregnancy was associated with fetal death. The exposure factors found were infants weighing ≤ 2,500 g [12 (20.7%) vs. 4 (2.3%), p <0.0001, OR 11.1], admission to neonatal intensive care environment [15 (27.8%) vs. 22 (13.0%), p <0.05, OR 2.4] and early neonatal mortality [5 (8.9%) vs. 2 (1.2), p <0.01, OR 8.1] in the subsequent pregnancy. No association was observed with Apgar scores <7 at 1 and 5 minutes, recurrent fetal death and occurrence of hypertensive syndrome. Conclusion: The exposure factors were higher incidence of low birth weight newborns, admission to neonatal intensive care environment, and early neonatal mortality (AU)

Pronóstico materno y perinatal en el embarazo con deficiencia del factor XII / Maternal and perinatal prognosis in pregnancy with factor XII deficiency

ANTECEDENTES: El déficit de factor XII es una enfermedad poco frecuente, relacionada con trombosis y abortos a repetición. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el resultado materno y perinatal en 25 embarazadas con déficit del factor XII. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo de 25 embarazadas (27 gestaciones) con esta patología desde enero 2005 a junio de 2011. RESULTADOS: La asociación de alteración del factor XII con otras trombofilias hereditarias o adquiridas es frecuente. En 24 mujeres se obtuvieron gestaciones exitosas, con sólo 3 abortos. Hubo 20 partos a término, con recién nacidos con peso y Apgar adecuado. Se registró un caso de restricción de crecimiento intrauterino. No hubo complicaciones médicas. Se utilizaron en todas las embarazadas antiagregantes y/o antitrombóticos como tratamiento. El fármaco utilizado más frecuente fue la heparina de bajo peso molecular, asociada en ocasiones al ácido acetilsalicílico. No hubo complicaciones por el uso de heparina de bajo peso molecular. CONCLUSIONES: El control multidisciplinar del embarazo y el tratamiento individualizado ha conseguido en esta patología buenos resultados maternos y neonatales.

BACKGROUND: The factor XII deficiency is a rare disease related with thrombosis and recurrent pregnancy loss. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal and perinatal outcome in 25 pregnant women with deficiency of factor XII. METHODS: An observational descriptive study of 25 women with factor XII deficiency and pregnancy (27 pregnancies) between January 2005 and March 2011. RESULTS: The association with other inherited or acquired thrombophilia is common. 24 women have achieved successful pregnancies and only 3 miscarriages. There were 20 women with deliveries at term, with appropiate birth weight and Apgar test. There was one case of intrauterine growth restriction. There were no medical complications. The treatment used was antiplatelet and/or antithrombotic agents in all cases. The most used drug was low molecular weight heparin, sometimes associated to acetylsalicylic acid. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary control of the pregnancy and an individualized treatment has achieved good maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Coagulation inhibitors and activated protein C resistance in recurrent pregnancy losses in Indian women.

Background: Thrombophilias, both acquired and inherited, have been investigated in the etiopathogenesis of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Aim: To study coagulation inhibitors and activated protein C resistance (APCR) in recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL) occurring in second and third trimesters. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 pregnant women (group A) with two or more recurrent unexplained fetal loses were evaluated for APCR, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin deficiency, and antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA). Thirty age-matched controls were taken (group B) comprising of pregnant women with at least one live issue. Statistical Analysis: Comparisons between two group frequencies and group means were made using Chi square test and Student's t test, respectively. Results: Protein C and protein S levels were reduced in group A compared with group B and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.005 and P=0.032, respectively). The mean value of antithrombin was slightly reduced in group A compared with group B. APCR was observed in 16.6% cases and 3.3% controls. However, the difference was not statistically significant. APLA was observed in 20% cases and none of the controls. Of these, lupus anticoagulant was positive in 16.6% cases and anticardiolipin antibodies in 10% cases. Combined defects were seen in seven patients. Conclusion: There is a significant risk of RPL in pregnant women with thrombophilias. Therefore, screening for thrombophilias may be justified in pregnant women with unexplained recurrent fetal wastage, especially in second and third trimester.

Urgencias en obstetricia / Emergencies in obstetrics

Tradicionalmente, el embarazo es considerado un evento fisiológico. Sin embargo, cerca de un 20 por ciento de las embarazadas desarrolla patologías obstétricas que se asocian a mortalidad materna y perinatal. A nivel mundial, cada año medio millón de mujeres fallece durante el embarazo y parto debido a estas complicaciones. Desafortunadamente, un número significativo de las urgencias obstétricas ocurre en pacientes sin factores de riesgo, por lo que la prevención, identificación precoz e intervención a tiempo de estos eventos juegan un rol fundamental para contrarrestar un resultado perinatal adverso. En el presente capítulo hemos seleccionado las emergencias que concentran la mayor morbimortalidad de nuestra especialidad. Si bien algunas han quedado fuera, creemos que los temas aquí presentados representan las urgencias obstétricas más importantes que enfrentamos a diario, para las cuales debemos estar preparados con el fin de realizar un manejo óptimo del embarazo y parto para la obtención de un resultado perinatal favorable.

Traditionally, pregnancy is considered a physiologic condition. However, close to 20 percent of pregnant women develop obstetrical diseases that are associated to maternal and perinatal mortality. World wide, every year half a million of women die during pregnancy, labor and delivery due to these complications. Unfortunately, a significant number of obstetrical emergencies occur among patients without risk factors, so that prevention, early identification and timely intervention play a key role to overcome an adverse pregnancy outcome. In the present chapter, we have selected the emergencies that concentrate most of the morbidity and mortality of our field. Although some have not been included, we believe that the obstetrical emergencies presented here in represent the most important ones that we face daily, and for which we should be prepared in order to execute the best possible obstetrical care either during pregnancy or at the time of delivery to obtain a favourable perinatal outcome.

Efectos de la radiación electromagnética no ionizante sobre lasalud y el caso específico de los efectos en la salud humana de la telefonía celular / Health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, and the specific case of the effects of mobile telephony

Los efectos en salud de la radiación electromagnética ionizante son bien conocidos; sin embargo hay menos reconocimiento de los efectos en salud causados por exposición a radiación electromagnética no ionizante. La primera parte del presente trabajo se refiere a los efectos en salud de las radiaciones electromagnéticas no ionizantes, independiente de su origen, puesto que no hay diferencias apreciables entre los efectos producidos por los diversos tipos de radiación electromagnética no ionizante y por lo tanto, son también válidas para aquellas emitidas por la telefonía celular. Se describe una asociación estadísticamente significativa de varias enfermedades a radiación electromagnética de frecuencia baja (ELF) proveniente de tendidos o transformadores de alta tensión, radiación electromagnética ELF del tendido eléctrico domiciliario y de artefactos electrodomésticos, exposición ocupacional a radiación electromagnética principalmente ELF, y radiación electromagnética de radiofrecuencia (RF) proveniente de antenas de transmisión de televisión. A continuación se analizan los efectos ya demostrados de la telefonía celular (los teléfonos y sus antenas repetidoras). Luego se analizan los grados de certeza de un estudio del Estado de California (USA) para relacionar las diversas enfermedades causadas por radiación electromagnética no ionizante. Este estudio confirmó la alta o mediana probabilidad de una relación causa-efecto de la radiación electromagnética con las siguientes enfermedades: leucemia en adultos y niños, cáncer cerebral en adultos y niños, cáncer de mama femenino y masculino, abortos espontáneos, suicidio, enfermedad de Alzheimer, esclerosis lateral amiotrófica y enfermedades cardiovasculares incluyendo infarto del miocardio. Se describen cuales son estas enfermedades de acuerdo al origen de estas radiaciones y se analizan cuales pueden ser los mecanismos biológicos que determinan la génesis de éstas...

The health effects of ionizing electromagnetic radiation are well known; neverthless there exist less recognition on the health effects of exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. The first part of the present report refers to health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, independently of its origin, since there are not important differences among effects caused by the different kind of non-ionizing radiations, therefore, they are valid for those emmited by the mobile telephony. A statistically significant association is described among various diseases and extremely low frequency electromagnetic radiation (ELF) from high tension electric conductors or transformers, intradomiciliary electric lines or electrodomestic appliances, occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields, mainly ELF, and radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation from television transmission. Already demonstrated effects of mobile telephony (cellular telephones and their antenas). The degrees of certainty from a study of the State of California (USA) is analyzed to relate various diseases caused by non-ionizing radiation. This study confirmed high or moderate probability of a cause-effect relationship for adult and child leukemia, brain cancer in adults and children, female and male breast cancer, spontaneous abortions, suicide, Alzheimer disease, amiotrophic lateral sclerosis and cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction. Various diseases are related to the different origin of the radiation, and the biological mechanisms involved in disease generation are analyzed. Research performed in the USSR and afterwards in Russia on health effects of mobile telephony are summarized, these investigations originated the regulation in this country and afterwards in West Europe, and influenced the decisions of WHO on its carcinogenicity...