Maternal red blood cell alloimmunization requiring intrauterine transfusion: a comparative study on management and outcome depending on the type of antibody.

BACKGROUND: The antibody primarily responsible for fetal anemia may influence treatment and prognosis. The primary objective was to compare ante- and postnatal management and the outcomes of maternal red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunizations according to the antibody involved. The secondary objective was to compare anti-D alloimmunizations according to associated number of antibodies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A single-center study from 1999 to 2015 including maternal RBC alloimmunizations requiring intrauterine transfusion (IUT) was conducted. Patients were classified according to the antibody involved: anti-D, other Rh (anti-c and anti-E), and anti-K1. Obstetric data, IUT characteristics, and neonatal outcome were compared. A specific study on the anti-D, when isolated or associated, was then conducted. RESULTS: There were 106 pregnancies included, with 77.4% having anti-D, 9.4% having another anti-Rh (Rh group), and 13.2% having anti-K1. No significant difference between the anti-D and Rh groups was found for management and prognosis. The hemoglobin level in the first IUT was higher in the anti-D group than in the Kell group (6.8 vs. 4.7 g/dL, p = 0.008). Newborns in the anti-D group had significantly higher bilirubin levels and phototherapy duration than those in the Kell group. The mean estimated daily decrease in hemoglobin and that between the first two IUTs were lower with an isolated anti-D, compared with anti-D associated with two antibodies (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Anti-K1 alloimmunizations seem to cause more severe fetal anemia than anti-D alloimmunizations. Moreover, a decrease in hemoglobin appears to be more rapid when anti-D is associated with other antibodies.

Version of breech fetuses by moxibustion with acupuncture: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of moxibustion (heating of the acupuncture needle with an igniting charcoal moxa stick) with acupuncture for version of breech presentations after 33 4/7 weeks of gestation to reduce their rate at 37 weeks of gestation and at delivery. METHODS: This was a randomized placebo-controlled single-blind trial including 328 pregnant women recruited in a university hospital center between 33 4/7 and 35 4/7 weeks of gestation. Moxibustion with acupuncture or inactivated laser (placebo) treatment was applied to point BL 67 for six sessions. The principal endpoint was the percentage of fetuses in breech presentation at 37 2/7 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: The study included 328 women randomized into two groups: moxibustion with acupuncture (n=164) or placebo (n=164). The percentage of fetuses in breech presentation at 37 2/7 weeks of gestation was not significantly different in both groups (72.0 in the moxibustion with acupuncture group compared with 63.4% in the placebo group, relative risk 1.13, 95% confidence interval 0.98-1.32, P=.10). CONCLUSION: Treatment by moxibustion with acupuncture was not effective in correcting breech presentation in the third trimester of pregnancy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01487590.

The use of low-molecular-weight heparins in pregnancy--how safe are they?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Low-molecular-weight heparins are in widespread use during pregnancy. As with every treatment in pregnant patients, concerns have been raised about the safety of Low-molecular-weight heparins. The purpose of the present article is to review recent advances, published during the past year, that have studied the maternal, fetal, and neonatal safety of Low-molecular-weight heparins in pregnant women. RECENT FINDINGS: Low-molecular-weight heparins do not increase the risk of maternal bleeding during pregnancy. Closed management is needed during the peripartum period, and discontinuing Low-molecular-weight heparins at least 12 h before delivery seems sufficient to prevent post-partum haemorrhage. The incidence of Low-molecular-weight heparins-induced immune reaction is low. Fondaparinux or danaparoid may be used as an alternative option in pregnant women with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Long-term Low-molecular-weight heparins therapy may be associated with osteopenia. Calcium vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of Low-molecular-weight heparins-induced osteoporosis. As Low-molecular-weight heparins do not cross the placenta, no fetal or neonatal complication has been reported. Beyond the safety question, Low-molecular-weight heparins have the potential to improve the live-birth rate in high-risk pregnancies (antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombophilia, or recurrent fetal loss). SUMMARY: Recent studies have confirmed the safety of Low-molecular-weight heparins therapy during pregnancy. The risk of potential side effects is low for both the mother and the neonate.