Association of interpregnancy interval and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in woman by different previous gestational ages / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#With an increasing proportion of multiparas, proper interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) are urgently needed. However, the association between IPIs and adverse perinatal outcomes has always been debated. This study aimed to explore the association between IPIs and adverse outcomes in different fertility policy periods and for different previous gestational ages.@*METHODS@#We used individual data from China's National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System between 2014 and 2019. Multivariable Poisson models with restricted cubic splines were used. Each adverse outcome was analyzed separately in the overall model and stratified models. The stratified models included different categories of fertility policy periods (2014-2015, 2016-2017, and 2018-2019) and infant gestational age in previous pregnancy (<28 weeks, 28-36 weeks, and ≥37 weeks).@*RESULTS@#There were 781,731 pregnancies enrolled in this study. A short IPI (≤6 months) was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (OR [95% CI]: 1.63 [1.55, 1.71] for vaginal delivery [VD] and 1.10 [1.03, 1.19] for cesarean section [CS]), low Apgar scores and small for gestational age (SGA), and a decreased risk of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and gestational hypertension. A long IPI (≥60 months) was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (OR [95% CI]: 1.18 [1.11, 1.26] for VD and 1.39 [1.32, 1.47] for CS), placenta previa, postpartum hemorrhage, diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and gestational hypertension. Fertility policy changes had little effect on the association of IPIs and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The estimated risk of preterm birth, low Apgar scores, SGA, diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, and gestational hypertension was more profound among women with previous term births than among those with preterm births or pregnancy loss.@*CONCLUSION@#For pregnant women with shorter or longer IPIs, more targeted health care measures during pregnancy should be formulated according to infant gestational age in previous pregnancy.

Relação entre a condição bucal de gestantes internadas e desfechos adversos na gestação / Relationship between the oral condition of hospitalized pregnant women and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Objetivo: avaliar se a condição bucal favoreceu a presença de desfechos adversos da gestação (DAG) em mulheres internadas e acompanhadas em um hospital escola. Métodos: um estudo de coorte retrospectiva com mulheres grávidas que foram internadas entre setembro de 2019 e início de março de 2020 e que continuaram o acompanhamento obstétrico. Resultados: Das 65 gestantes que seguiram acompanhamento, 27 (41,5%) dos bebês nasceram pré-termo e 20 (30,8%) com baixo peso, sendo que as duas condições estavam presentes em 15 crianças (23,1%), sendo significantemente relacionadas com a menor semana gestacional na internação. Ao relacionar diferentes fatores com o desfecho pré-termo, houve diferença significante em gestantes com a ocupação "do lar" e com o tempo de internação igual ou maior que 10 dias e com a presença de baixo peso ao nascer. Não foi observada relação dos dados avaliados da condição bucal das gestantes na internação com o parto pré-termo. Conclusões: Gestantes que necessitam de internação hospitalar durante a gravidez, independente da condição bucal, aumentam a possibilidade de apresentarem DAG, sendo fundamental a realização do correto acompanhamento pré-natal.(AU)

Objective: to assess whether the oral condition favored the presence of adverse effects during pregnancy in pregnant women hospitalized and followed up at a teaching hospital. Methods: a retrospective cohort study with mothers who were hospitalized during pregnancy between September 2019 and early March 2020 and who continued obstetric follow-up. Results: 83 pregnant women were interviewed and 65 were followed up Of the 65 pregnant women who followed up, 27 (41.5%) of the babies were born preterm and 20 (30.8%) with low birth weight, and both conditions were present in 15 children (23.1%), being significantly related to the shortest gestational week at admission. When relating different factors with the preterm outcome, there was a significant difference in pregnant women with the occupation "housewife" and with the length of hospital stay equal to or greater than 10 days and with the presence of low birth weight. There was no relationship between the evaluated data on the oral condition of pregnant women during hospitalization and preterm delivery. Conclusions: Pregnant women who require hospitalization during pregnancy, regardless of oral condition, increase the possibility of having negative pregnancy outcomes, and correct prenatal care is essential. (AU)

Association between low ambient temperature during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Extreme temperature events, including extreme cold, are becoming more frequent worldwide, which might be harmful to pregnant women and cause adverse birth outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to low ambient temperature in pregnant women and adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth, and to summarize the evidence herein.@*METHODS@#Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase electronic databases until November 2021. Studies involving low ambient temperature, preterm birth, birth weight, and stillbirth were included. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses were followed to conduct this study risk of bias and methods for data synthesis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 34 studies were included. First, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of preterm birth (risk ratio [RR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.13). Subgroup analyses revealed that exposure during late pregnancy was more likely to induce preterm birth. In addition, only pregnant women exposed to <1st percentile of the mean temperature suffered increased risk of preterm birth. Moreover, pregnant women living in medium or hot areas were more prone to have preterm births than those in cold areas when exposed to low ambient temperatures. Asians and Blacks were more susceptible to low ambient temperatures than Caucasians. Second, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of low birth weight (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.12). Third, pregnant women had an increased risk of stillbirth while exposed to low ambient temperature during the entire pregnancy (RR 4.63; 95% CI 3.99-5.38).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Exposure to low ambient temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to extremely low ambient temperature (<1st percentile of the mean temperature), especially in their late pregnancy. This study could provide clues for preventing adverse outcomes from meteorological factors.@*REGISTRATION@#No. CRD42021259776 at PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ).

Observation of the therapeutic effect of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion on recurrent implantation failure of kidney deficiency and blood stasis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the therapeutic effect of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion on the patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) of kidney deficiency and blood stasis undergoing frozen embryo transfer of the conventional hormone replacement therapy cycle.@*METHODS@#Sixty RIF of kidney deficiency and blood stasis patients who planned for frozen embryo transfer were randomly divided into a combined treatment group (30 cases) and a western medication group (30 cases). In the western medication group, the conventional hormone replacement therapy was performed for endometrial preparation during transfer cycle. On the basis of treatment as the western medication group, in the combined treatment group, Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion was adopted. Regarding tongyuan needling, the acupoint prescription for Tongdu Tiaoshen (promoting the governor vessel and regulating the spirit, e.g. Dazhui [GV 14], Ganshu [BL 18], Shenshu [BL 23] and back-shu points) and that for Yinqi Guiguan (conducting qi back to the primary, e.g. Zhongwan [CV 12], Qihai [CV 6], Guanyuan [CV 4] and front-mu points) were selected. Acupuncture was delivered at these two prescriptions alternatively each time. After acupuncture, the herb-separated moxibustion (in which, the herbal powder was prepared with the modified Yangjing Zhongyu decoction for cultivating the kidney essence and promoting pregnancy) was operated at Shenque (CV 8). This combined therapy was delivered once every two days, 3 sessions a week till the day of embryo transfer. The pregnancy outcomes (positive rate of human chorionic gonadotropin [β-HCG] and clinical pregnancy rate) were compared between the two groups, as well as the TCM syndrome score, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels, endometrial thickness and type, endometrial blood flow index (pulsatility index [PI], resistance index [RI]) before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the clinical pregnancy rate of the combined treatment group was 40.0% (12/30), higher than that of the western medication group (16.7%, 5/30, P<0.05); and the difference in the positive rate of β-HCG was not significant statistically between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of E2 and P were elevated (P<0.05), the endometrial thickness was thickened (P<0.05); the scores of TCM syndrome, and the levels of PI and RI were reduced (P<0.05) when compared with those before treatment in the two groups. The proportion of type A endometrium increased compared with that before treatment in the combined treatment group (P<0.05). Except the levels of E2 and P, the above indexes in the combined treatment group were superior to the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#On the basis of frozen embryo transfer of conventional hormone replacement cycle, the intervention of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms, increase the endometrial blood flow and its thickness, and improve the endometrial receptivity, thereby ameliorate pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients of kidney deficiency and blood stasis.

Construction of a clinical prediction model for the impact of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in poor ovarian response (POR) patients based on a patient registry research platform / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To construct a clinical prediction model for the impact of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in poor ovarian response (POR) patients, providing insights and methods for predicting pregnancy outcomes in POR patients undergoing acupuncture treatment.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 268 POR patients (2 cases were eliminated) primarily treated with "thirteen needle acupuncture for Tiaojing Cuyun (regulating menstruation and promoting pregnancy)" was collected from the international patient registry platform of acupuncture moxibustion (IPRPAM) from September 19, 2017 to April 30, 2023, involving 24 clinical centers including Acupuncture-Moxibustion Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. LASSO and univariate Cox regression were used to screen factors influencing pregnancy outcomes, and a multivariate Cox regression model was established based on the screening results. The best model was selected using the Akaike information criterion (AIC), and a nomogram for clinical pregnancy prediction was constructed. The prediction model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves, and internal validation was performed using the Bootstrap method.@*RESULTS@#(1) Age, level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and total treatment numbers of acupuncture were independent predictors of pregnancy outcomes in POR patients receiving acupuncture (P<0.05). (2) The AIC value of the best subset-Cox multivariate model (560.6) was the smallest, indicating it as the optimal model. (3) The areas under curve (AUCs) of the clinical prediction model after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months treatment were 0.627, 0.719, 0.770, and 0.766, respectively, and in the validation group, they were 0.620, 0.704, 0.759, and 0.765, indicating good discrimination and repeatability of the prediction model. (4) The calibration curve showed that the prediction curve of the clinical prediction model was close to the ideal model's prediction curve, indicating good calibration of the prediction model.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The clinical prediction model for the impact of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in POR patients based on the IPRPAM platform has good clinical application value and provides insights into predicting pregnancy outcomes in POR patients undergoing acupuncture treatment.

Analysis of adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with positive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To investigate the relationship between positive anti-Ro/Sjögren syndrome antigen type A (SSA) antibody and anti-La/Sjögren syndrome antigen type B (SSB) antibody in pregnant women and neonatal adverse outcomes. Methods: This study was a retrospective study, and 145 deliveries of 136 anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibody positive pregnant women were selected who had prenatal examination and delivered in Peking University First Hospital from January 2017 to June 2022. According to whether adverse neonatal outcomes occurred, 145 deliveries were divided into adverse outcome group (26 cases) and no adverse outcome group (119 cases). According to the time when anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies were found positive, 145 deliveries were divided into the antibody positive during pregnancy group (69 cases) and the pre-pregnancy antibody positive group (76 cases). The pregnancy outcomes, treatment and maternal and infant antibody levels of pregnant women between the adverse outcome group and no adverse outcome group, between antibody positive during pregnancy group and the pre-pregnancy antibody positive group were compared. Results: (1) Most of the pregnant women with positive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies were diagnosed as undifferentiated connective tissue disease, accounting for 40.4% (55/136), followed by Sjogren's syndrome (25.0%, 34/136), systemic lupus erythematosus (23.5%, 32/136), antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (6.6%, 9/136), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (1.5%, 2/136), and 4 cases were not diagnosed. (2) The titers of anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies in the first trimester and the second trimester were compared, and there were no statistical significances (all P>0.05). (3) The proportion of high level anti-Ro/SSA antibody (>100 kU/L), positive level of anti-La/SSB antibody and positive rate of anti-La/SSB antibody in the adverse outcome group were higher than those in the no adverse outcome group, and the birth weight of newborns and live birth rate in the adverse outcome group were lower than that in the no adverse outcome group, all with statistical significances (all P<0.05). The anti-Ro/SSA antibody level, the proportion of drug treatment (hydroxychloroquine, glucocorticoid, gamma globulin), the incidence of fetal growth restriction (FGR), the rate of preterm birth, and the positive level of anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies in newborns were compared between the two groups, and there were no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). (4) The anti-Ro/SSA antibody level of pregnant women in the pre-pregnancy antibody positive group, the proportion of hydroxychloroquine and glucocorticoid treatment, and the anti-Ro/SSA antibody positive rate of newborns were higher, while the incidence of FGR and gamma globulin treatment rate of newborns in the antibody positive during pregnancy group were higher, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The levels of anti-La/SSB antibodies in pregnant women, anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies in newborns, the positive rate of anti-La/SSB antibodies in newborns and the incidence of adverse outcomes were compared between the antibody positive during pregnancy group and the pre-pregnancy antibody positive group, and there were no statistical significances (all P>0.05). Conclusions: High concentrations of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and co-positive anti-La/SSB antibodies during pregnancy may increase the incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes. There is no significant difference in the incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes between antibody positive pregnant women and antibody positive pregnant women who were first found during pregnancy after comprehensive treatment in the rheumatology and immunology department.

Association between maternal plasma one-carbon biomarkers during pregnancy and fetal growth in twin pregnancies / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To characterize the relationship between the levels of plasma methyl donor and related metabolites (including choline, betaine, methionine, dimethylglycine and homocysteine) and fetal growth in twin pregnancies. Methods: A hospital-based cohort study was used to collect clinical data of 92 pregnant women with twin pregnancies and their fetuses who were admitted to Peking University Third Hospital from March 2017 to January 2018. Fasting blood was collected from the pregnant women with twin pregnancies (median gestational age: 18.9 weeks). The levels of methyl donors and related metabolites in plasma were quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The generalized estimation equation was used to analyze the relationship between maternal plasma methyl donors and related metabolites levels and neonatal outcomes of twins, and the generalized additive mixed model was used to analyze the relationship between maternal plasma methyl donors and related metabolites levels and fetal growth ultrasound indicators. Results: (1) General clinical data: of the 92 women with twin pregnancies, 66 cases (72%) were dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies, and 26 cases (28%) were monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. The comparison of the levels of five plasma methyl donors and related metabolites in twin pregnancies with different basic characteristics showed that the median levels of plasma choline and betaine in pregnant women ≥35 years old were higher than those in pregnant women <35 years old, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (2) Correlation between plasma methyl donor and related metabolites levels and neonatal growth indicators: after adjusting for confounding factors, plasma homocysteine level in pregnant women with twins was significantly negatively correlated with neonatal birth weight (β=-47.9, 95%CI:-94.3- -1.6; P=0.043). Elevated methionine level was significantly associated with decreased risks of small for gestational age infants (SGA; OR=0.5, 95%CI: 0.3-0.9; P=0.021) and low birth weight infants (OR=0.6, 95%CI: 0.4-0.9; P=0.020). Increased homocysteine level was associated with increased risks of SGA (OR=1.5, 95%CI: 1.0-2.2; P=0.029) and inconsistent growth in twin fetuses (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.0-3.7; P=0.049). (3) Correlation between the levels of plasma methyl donors and related metabolites and intrauterine growth indicators of twins pregnancies: for every 1 standard deviation increase in plasma choline level in pregnant women with twin pregnancies, fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference, femoral length and estimated fetal weight in the second trimester increased by 1.9 mm, 2.6 mm, 0.5 mm and 20.1 g, respectively, and biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight increased by 0.7 mm, 3.0 mm and 38.4 g in the third trimester, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (4) Relationship between plasma methyl donor and related metabolites levels in pregnant women with different chorionicity and neonatal birth weight and length: the negative correlation between plasma homocysteine level and neonatal birth weight was mainly found in DCDA twin pregnancy (β=-65.9, 95%CI:-110.6- -21.1; P=0.004). The levels of choline, betaine and dimethylglycine in plasma of MCDA twin pregnancy were significantly correlated with the birth weight and length of newborns (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Homocysteine level is associated with low birth weight in twins, methionine is associated with decreased risk of SGA, and choline is associated with fetal growth in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Benefit of Acupuncture on in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#Currently, more and more infertility couples are opting for combined acupuncture to improve success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, evidence from acupuncture for improving IVF pregnancy outcomes remains a matter of debate.@*OBJECTIVE@#To quantitatively summarized the evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture among women undergoing IVF by means of systematic review and meta-analysis.@*METHODS@#Four English (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) and Four Chinese databases (Wanfang Databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and SinoMed) were searched from database inception until July 2, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the acupuncture's effects for women undergoing IVF were included. The subgroup analysis was conducted with respect to the age of participants, different acupuncture types, type of control, acupuncture timing, geographical origin of the study, whether or not repeated IVF failure, and acupuncture sessions. Sensitivity analyses were predefifined to explore the robustness of results. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR), and the secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. Random effects model with I2 statistics were used to quantify heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger's tests.@*RESULTS@#A total of 58 eligible RCTs representing 10,968 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identifified. Pooled CPR and LBR showed a signifificant difference between acupuncture and control groups [69 comparisons, relative risk (RR) 1.19, 95% confifidence intervals (CI) 1.12 to 1.25, I2=0], extremely low evidence; 23 comparisons, RR 1.11, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.21, I2=14.6, low evidence, respectively). Only transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation showed a positive effect on both CPR (16 comparisons, RR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.29; I2=0, moderate evidence) and LBR (9 comparisons, RR 1.20, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.37; I2=8.5, extremely low evidence). Heterogeneity across studies was found and no studies were graded as high-quality evidence.@*CONCLUSION@#Results showed that the convincing evidence levels on the associations between acupuncture and IVF pregnant outcomes were relatively low, and the varied methodological design and heterogeneity might inflfluence the fifindings. (Registration No. PROSPERO CRD42021232430).

Multidisciplinary approach for the management of term pregnancy complicated by Eisenmenger syndrome / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Pregnancy in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) is associated with high maternal mortality rates of 30%‒50%, or even up to 65% in the case of a cesarean section (Yuan, 2016). Here, we report a case of term pregnancy complicated with ES and severe pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), which was managed by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and resulted in an uncomplicated delivery via elective cesarean section. The goal of this study is to emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approach in the management of pregnancy with ES, which can profoundly improve maternal and infant outcomes.

Correlation analysis of vitamin D level and anti-Müllerian hormone in infertile female and the role in predicting pregnancy outcome / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) among infertile females and their predictive impacts on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer pregnancy outcome.@*METHODS@#Totally 756 infertile females treated with assisted reproductive technology were enrolled and divided into three groups according to their vitamin D levels (group A with serum 25(OH)D≤10 μg/L, group B with serum (10-20) μg/L, and group C with serum ≥20 μg/L). The serum AMH levels were detected. The differences among the groups were analyzed, as well as the correlation between vitamin D levels and serum AMH levels in various infertility types (fallopian tube/male factor, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovulation disorders excluded PCOS, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and others). Also, the predictive roles of vitamin D and AMH in pregnancy outcome in all the infertile females were discussed.@*RESULTS@#(1) 87.7% of the enrolled females were insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. (2) The serum AMH levels in the three groups with different vitamin D levels were 1.960 (1.155, 3.655) μg/L, 2.455 (1.370, 4.403) μg/L, 2.360 (1.430, 4.780) μg/L and there was no significant difference in serum AMH levels among the three groups (P>0.05). (3) Serum 25(OH)D and AMH levels presented seasonal variations (P < 0.05). (4) There was no prominent correlation between the serum AMH level and serum 25(OH)D level in females of various infertility types after adjusting potential confounding factors [age, body mass index (BMI), antral follicle count (AFC), vitamin D blood collection season, etc.] by multiple linear regression analysis (P>0.05). (5) After adjusting for confounding factors, such as age, BMI, number of transplanted embryos and AFC, the results of binary Logistics regression model showed that in all the infertile females, the serum AMH level was an independent predictor of biochemical pregnancy outcome (P < 0.05) while the serum 25(OH)D level might not act as a prediction factor alone (P>0.05). In the meanwhile, the serum 25(OH)D level and serum AMH level were synergistic predictors of biochemical or clinical pregnancy outcome (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the current diagnostic criteria, most infertile females had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, but there was not significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D and ovarian reserve. While vitamin D could not be used as an independent predictor of pregnancy outcome in infertile females, the serum AMH level could predict biochemical pregnancy outcome independently or jointly with vitamin D.

Research progress on long-term developmental outcomes of offspring of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中国当代儿科杂志

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects multiple organs and systems. It is more common in women of childbearing age. Compared with the general population, pregnant women with SLE are at a significantly increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. In addition, the offspring of SLE patients may also be adversely affected by in utero exposure to maternal autoantibodies, cytokines, and drugs. This article summarizes the long-term developmental outcomes of offspring of pregnant women with SLE in terms of the blood system, circulatory system, nervous system, and immune system.

Clinical analysis of 31 cases of fetal umbilical artery thrombosis / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To analyze the ultrasonic manifestations, clinical features, high risk factors and key points of pregnancy management in prenatal diagnosis of umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT). Methods: The data of 31 pregnant women of UAT diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography and confirmed after birth from July 2017 to July 2022 at the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed, including the maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes and fetal complications. In addition, the baseline data and pregnancy outcomes were compared in 21 patients who continued pregnancy after diagnosis of UAT. Of the 21 UAT cases that continued pregnancy, 10 cases were treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH; LMWH treatment group), while the other 11 patients had expectant treatment(expectant treatment group). Results: The age of the 31 pregnant women was (30.2±4.7) years, of which 5 cases (16%,5/31) were advanced age pregnant women. The gestational age at diagnosis was (32.9±4.0) weeks, and the gestational age at termination of pregnancy was (35.6±2.9) weeks. In 31 fetuses with UAT, 15 cases (48%) had fetal distress, 11 cases (35%) had fetal growth restriction, and 3 cases (10%) had intrauterine stillbirth. There were 28 cases of live births, including 26 cases by cesarean section and 2 cases by vaginal delivery. There were also 3 stillbirths, all delivered vaginally. Four neonates had mild asphyxia and two newborns had severe asphyxia. Among the 31 cases, 10 cases were terminated immediately after diagnosis, the gestational age at diagnosis was (35.9±2.9) weeks. Another 21 pregnancies continued, and their gestational age at diagnosis was (31.4±3.7) weeks. The median prolonged gestational age in LMWH treatment group was 7.9 weeks (4.6-9.4 weeks), and all were live births. The median prolonged gestational age in the expectant treatment group was 0.6 weeks (0.0-1.0 weeks), and 2 cases were stillbirths. There was a statistically significant difference in prolonged gestational age (P=0.002). Conclusions: Ultrasound is the preferred method for prenatal detection of UAT. Clinicians need to be vigilant for UAT when a newly identified single umbilical artery is detected by ultrasound in the second or third trimesters. The decision to continue or terminate the pregnancy depends on the gestational age and the condition of fetus. Attention should be paid to fetal movements as the pregnancy continues. The treatment of LMWH as soon as possible after diagnosis of UAT may improve the pregnancy outcome.

Clinical characteristics of severe pre-eclampsia in a single tertiary referral center of Xiamen City / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To explore the key points for preventing and reducing severe pre-eclampsia (SPE) and its severe complications in the tertiary medical referral system of a second-tier city by analyzing the clinical characteristics of SPE. Methods: The clinical data of 341 patients with SPE who terminated pregnancy in Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and the pre-eclampsia (PE) risk factors, clinical characteristics and severe complications of SPE between the patients referred from primary hospitals (referral group) and the patients received regular prenatal care in the tertiary referral center (central group) were compared, as well as the influence of the referral timing on the maternal and perinatal outcomes. Results: Among the 341 cases of SPE, 92 cases were in the referral group and 249 cases were in the central group. (1) Analysis of PE risk factors: there was no statistical difference in the proportion of risk factors of PE between these two groups [75.0% (69/92) vs 71.9% (179/249); χ2=0.328, P=0.567]. (2) Analysis of clinical features: the gestational ages at the PE early warning factors onset, at the PE first symptom onset and at SPE diagnosed, pregnancy terminated and onset of SPE severe complications in the referral group were significantly earlier than those in the central group (all P<0.05), the proportions of terminating pregnancy before 32 weeks of gestation, between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation, intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU hospitalization and fetal growth restriction in single pregnancies were higher than those in the central group, while the live birth rate was lower than that in the central group (all P<0.05). (3) Analysis of SPE severe complications: the rates of SPE severe complications in the referral group was higher than that in the central group [28.3% (26/92) vs 13.7% (34/249); χ2=9.885, P=0.002]. Among them, the rates of placental abruption [7.6% (7/92) vs 2.8% (7/249); χ2=3.927, P=0.048] and still birth [6.5% (6/92) vs 0.4% (1/249); χ2=9.656, P=0.002] in the referral group were significantly higher than those in the central group. (4) Analysis of referral timings: the timings included referral after onset of SPE severe complications (9.8%, 9/92), referral after SPE diagnosed (63.0%, 58/92), referral after detection of SPE early warning signs (20.7%, 19/92) and referral after detection of PE risk factors (6.5%, 6/92). The gestational ages at SPE diagnosed and pregnancy terminated in group of referral after onset of SPE severe complications and group of referral after SPE diagnosed were significantly earlier than those in group of referral after detection of PE early warning signs and group of referral after detection of PE risk factors (P<0.05). The earlier the referral, the higher the live birth rates (P<0.05). Conclusions: The tertiary referral center of the second-tier city plays an important role in reducing the maternal and perinatal damage of PE. The timing of referral in primary medical institutions is the key point of reducing the occurrence of SPE severe complications and maternal, perinatal damage of PE. It is necessary for medical institutions of all levels in all regions to improve the ability of early identification and early intervention for PE, to enhance the awareness of SPE and its severe complications prevention and control. Primary medical institutions should especially pay attention to raise the consciousness of PE risk factors and early warning signs, and to improve the ability of PE risk factors and early warning signs screening.

Clinical analysis of 15 pregnant women complicated with moyamoya disease / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To explore the effects of pregnancy complicated with moyamoya disease on maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: The general clinical data and maternal and fetal outcomes of 20 pregnancies of 15 patients with moyamoya disease admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2012 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: (1) General information: among the 20 pregnancies of 15 clearly diagnosed pregnant women complicated with moyamoya disease, 12 were diagnosed before pregnancy (60%, 12/20), 3 were diagnosed during pregnancy (15%, 3/20), and 5 were diagnosed during puerperal period (25%, 5/20). There were 7 cases of primipara (35%, 7/20) and 13 cases of multipara (65%, 13/20). (2) Pregnancy complications and maternal and infant outcomes: among the 20 pregnancies of 15 pregnant women with moyamoya disease, there were 9 pregnancy complications (45%, 9/20), including 5 gestational hypertension (25%, 5/20), 2 severe pre-eclampsia (10%, 2/20), 1 hyperlipidemia and 1 gestational diabetes mellitus (5%, 1/20). There were 2 case of drug abortion in the first trimester, 3 cases of labor induction in the second trimester, and 15 cases of delivery during the third trimester. All the 15 deliveries were cesarean section, of which 11 (11/15) were cesarean sections with medical indications, and 4 (4/15) were cesarean sections caused by personal factors. General anesthesia was used in 5 cases (5/15), epidural block anesthesia in 7 cases (7/15), and combined spinal and epidural anesthesia in 3 cases (3/15). The median gestational age of 15 neonates was 37.2 weeks (34.0 to 40.8 weeks), with 10 cases (10/15) were full-term infants, and 5 (5/15) were preterm infants (3 of which were associated with hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy). The birth weight of 15 neonates was (2 853±454) g. Four neonates were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), of which 3 cases were admitted to NICU due to premature delivery and 1 case was admitted to NICU due to neonatal jaundice. There was no neonatal asphyxia or death. All neonates were followed up from 4 months to 6 years after birth, and all grew well. (3) Neurological symptoms during pregnancy: 8 cases (40%, 8/20) had neurological symptoms during pregnancy, and 6 cases (30%, 6/20) had hemorrhagic symptoms, of which 3 cases occurred during the puerperal period (3/6). There were 2 cases of ischemic symptoms (10%, 2/20), all of which occurred during the puerperal period (2/2). (4) Analysis of factors related to the occurrence of cerebral hemorrhage: the incidence of cerebral hemorrhage in patients with moyamoya disease diagnosed before pregnancy was significantly lower than that in those without a clear diagnosis, and the incidence of cerebral hemorrhage in women with moyamoya disease was lower than that in primipara (all P<0.01). The incidence of cerebral hemorrhage in moyamoya patients without hypertensive disorder complicating pregrancy was lower than that in patients with hypertensive disorder complicating pregrancy, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: Pregnancy combined with moyamoya disease has adverse effects on maternal and infant outcomes, and the incidence of pregnancy complications increases. Cerebral hemorrhage occurres in prenatal and puperium, while cerebral ischemia occurres mainly in puperium.

Analysis of typing conversion and perinatal outcomes in twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction of different subtypes / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of different types of selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) pregnant women under expectant management, including the natural evolution, typing conversion and perinatal outcomes. Methods: The clinical data of 153 pregnant women with sIUGR under expected treatment in Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2014 to December 2018 were collected. Maternal characteristics including maternal age, gravidity, parity, method of conception, pregnancy complication, gestational age at delivery, indication for delivery, birth weight, the rate of intrauterine and neonatal death and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Pregnant women with sIUGR were divided into three types according to end-diastolic umbilical artery flow Doppler ultrasonography, and the differences of typing conversion and perinatal outcomes of sIUGR pregnant women based on the first diagnosis were compared. Results: (1) Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes: among 153 pregnant women with sIUGR, 100 cases (65.3%) were diagnosed with type Ⅰ, 35 cases (22.9%) with type Ⅱ, and 18 cases (11.8%) with type Ⅲ. There were no significant differences in age, conception mode, pregnancy complications, first diagnosis gestational age, characteristics of umbilical cord insertion, delivery indications, fetal intrauterine mortality and neonatal mortality among three types of sIUGR pregnant women (all P>0.05). The average gestational age at delivery of type Ⅰ sIUGR was (33.5±1.9) weeks, which was significantly later than those of type Ⅱ and Ⅲ [(31.3±1.8), (31.2±1.1) weeks, P<0.001]. The percentage disordance in estimated fetal weight (EFW) of type Ⅰ sIUGR was significantly lower than those of type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ (P<0.001). The incidence rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, cerebral leukomalacia and respiratory complications of both fetus and necrotizing enterocolitis of large fetus in type Ⅰ were significantly lower than those in type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ (all P<0.05). (2) Typing conversion: in 100 cases of type Ⅰ sIUGR, 18 cases progressed to type Ⅱ and 10 cases progressed to type Ⅲ. Compared with 72 stable type Ⅰ sIUGR, those with progressed type Ⅰ sIUGR had higher incidence of NICU admission and lung disease in both fetuses, and cerebral leukomalacia and necrotizing enterocolitis in large fetus (all P<0.05). The proportion of inconsistent cord insertion was significantly higher in those type Ⅰ progressed to type Ⅲ (6/10) than in those with stable type Ⅰ (19.4%, 14/72) and type Ⅰ progressed to type Ⅱ sIUGR [0 (0/18), P=0.001]. Four cases of type Ⅱ sIUGR reversed to type Ⅰ and 6 cases reversed to type Ⅲ. Compared with type Ⅱ reversed to type Ⅰ sIUGR, those stable type Ⅱ and type Ⅱ reversed to type Ⅲ sIUGR had a higher incidence of NICU admission in large fetus (P<0.05). Two cases of type Ⅲ sIUGR reversed to type Ⅰ and 6 cases progressed to type Ⅱ. There were no significant differences in fetal serious complications in type Ⅲ sIUGR with or without doppler changes (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The different types of sIUGR could convert to each other. The frequency of ultrasound examinations should be increased for patients with the type Ⅰ sIUGR, especially when the percentage discordance in EFW is substantial or with discordant cord insersion.

Research progress on mosaic embryo transfer and pregnancy risk / 中华预防医学杂志

Mosaic embryos contain two or more genetically distinct cell lines, which can be detected by pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. At present, it has been reported that mosaic embryo transfer can lead to healthy live births. In order to prevent severe adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as implantation failure, abortion, congenital malformation and neonatal death after implantation of mosaic embryos, it is critical to carry out genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy supervision for mosaic embryo transfer. This article reviews the selection of mosaic embryos, the pregnancy outcomes of mosaic embryo transfer, and the safety of offspring, in order to provide references for the clinical practice of mosaic embryo transfer.

New research advances in the prospective cohort study of gestational diabetes mellitus / 中华预防医学杂志

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk of suffering diverse adverse pregnancy outcomes, threating maternal and child health seriously, with an increasing incidence rate year by year. However, the exact cause of GDM is still unknown. Prospective cohort studies obtain data through follow-up, which is helpful to clarify the causal relationship, so as to draw more accurate and reliable conclusions. In recent years, numerous prospective cohort studies on the GDM have emerged. This article elaborates along the occurrence and development process of GDM, in order to provide useful reference for the establishment of relevant high-quality prospective cohort studies in China.

Impact of assisted reproductive technology on birth weight discordance in twins / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the association between assisted reproductive technology (ART) and birth weight discordance in twins (BWDT).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on twin infants born between January 2011 and December 2020 at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, with complete basic birth data. The impact of ART on the occurrence of BWDT was identified by the multivariate logistic regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 3 974 pairs of twins were included, with 1 431 conceived naturally and 2 543 through ART. Neonates in the ART group had higher birth weights than those in the naturally conceived group (P<0.001). The incidence of BWDT was lower in the ART group compared to the naturally conceived group (16.17% vs 21.09%, P<0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for confounding factors such as maternal age, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism, gestational age, and chorionic properties, showed no significant difference in the risk of BWDT between the ART and naturally conceived groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#ART is not associated with the risk of BWDT.

Chromosomal aneuploidy and pregnancy outcomes for D5/D6 blastocysts from patients undergoing PGT-A treatment / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the prevalence of chromosomal aneuploidies and pregnancy outcomes of D5 and D6 blastocysts subjected to preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).@*METHODS@#Clinical and laboratory data of 268 couples who underwent PGT-A at the Reproductive Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2018 to September 2020 were collected. The prevalence of chromosomal aneuploidies and pregnancy outcomes of D5/D6 biopsied blastocysts were compared.@*RESULTS@#Compared with D6 blastocysts, the euploidy rate of D5 blastocysts was significantly higher (49.1% vs. 41.1%, P = 0.001 1), whilst their aneuploidy rate was significantly lower (50.9% vs. 58.9%, P = 0.001 1). The rate of numerical abnormalities of D6 blastocysts was significantly higher than that of D5 blastocysts (27.9% vs. 20.2%, P = 0.000 5). For patients under 35 years old, the euploidy rate of D5 blastocysts was significantly higher than that of D6 blastocysts (53.8% vs. 44.3%, P = 0.001), whilst the numerical abnormality rate was significantly lower (16.3% vs. 23.9%, P = 0.001). For both D5 and D6 blastocysts, the euploidy rates for patients <= 35 were significantly higher than those for > 35. The elder group had the lowest rates for aneuploidies and live births. Compared with those receiving D6 blastocysts transplantation, the pregnancy rate, implantation rate and live birth rate for those receiving thawed D5 blastocysts transplantation were significantly higher (60.2% vs.37.0%, P = 0.000 3; 59.1% vs.37.0%, P = 0.000 6; 47.7% vs. 28.3%, P = 0.002).@*CONCLUSION@#For patients undergoing PGT-A, the chromosomal euploidy rate for D5 blastocysts is higher than that for D6 blastocysts, and the clinical outcome of D5 blastocysts with normal signal is better than that of D6 blastocysts. Elder patients have a higher rate of aneuploidies.

Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicines on Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Endometriosis in Long-Term Management: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the factors related to pregnancy of endometriosis and whether Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) can improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with endometriosis in long-term management.@*METHODS@#This multicenter cohort study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of endometriosis patients with fertility needs from January 2019 to November 2019. A total of 252 patients with endometriosis from 5 level-III Grade A hospitals in Beijing were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed for the relevant factors. The propensity score matching (PSM) function of SPSS software was used to match the CHMs group with the non-CHMs group. The pregnancy rate and live birth rate were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The results of univariate analysis showed that age, disease course, presence of infertility, presence of adenomyosis, time after surgery or use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), use of CHMs and follow-up time were influencing factors of pregnancy in endometriosis patients (P<0.05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that age, presence of adenomyosis, time after surgery or use of GnRH-a, use of CHMs and follow-up time were independent factors affecting pregnancy in endometriosis patients, among which, age ⩾35 years old, presence of adenomyosis and follow-up time >6 months were independent risk factors (OR=0.445, 0.348, 0.140, respectively, P<0.05), time after surgery or use of GnRH-a ⩽6 months and use of CHMs were independent protective factors (OR=3.839, 3.842, respectively, P<0.05). After PSM, 99 pairs of two groups were matched successfully. The pregnancy rate of the CHMs group was higher than that of the non-CHMs group [55.56% (55/99) vs. 36.36% (36/99), P<0.05]. The live birth rate of the CHMs group was higher than that of the non-CHMs group [49.49% (49/99) vs. 35.35% (35/99), P<0.05].@*CONCLUSION@#CHMs can effectively improve clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of patients with endometriosis in the chronic disease management.