The association between alteration of maternal lipid levels and birthweight at term: A within-family comparison.

Context: Maternal lipid levels affect birthweight and the long-term health of the offsprings. However, this association could be influenced by genetic and other common factors. Objective: This work aimed to explore the relationship between maternal lipid levels and birthweight of two pregnancies in the same mother. Methods: In this population-based cohort study, 705 women and their 1 410 offsprings were included. From an initial sample of women with more than one singleton birth in the database, we made the following exclusions: missing data for pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnancy weight gain, birthweight and lipid values; maternal age less than 19 or older than 44 years old; gestational age < 37 weeks or > 41weeks, gestational diabetes mellitus/diabetic. In the second and third trimesters, serum samples were collected for the determination of fasting total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Then we assessed the association between maternal lipids and birthweight. Results: Infants of women whose 2nd-trimester TC increased by 10th-20th percentile (-0.92~-0.56 mmol/L) from 1st to 2nd pregnancy were 239.69 (62.32~417.06) g lighter at birth than were infants of women those of 40th-50th percentile (-0.20~-0.03 mmol/L). Parity, gestational age, neonatal gender, maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal weight gain, and 3rd-trimester TC and HDL-C were all associated with higher birth weight. Every unit increase in TC in the third trimester increases birthweight by 53.13 (14.32 ~91.94) g. Conclusion: Maternal TC level is associated with birthweight independent of shared genes. TC may be used to guide diet and predict birthweight combined with ultrasound and other indicators.

Second-trimester and third-trimester maternal lipid profiles significantly correlated to LGA and macrosomia.

BACKGROUND: According to the theory of fetal-derived adult diseases, abnormal fetal development might affect the occurrence of diseases in adulthood, and appropriate fetal growth status intrauterine might have a beneficial effect on it. To adapt properly for fetal development, there are numerous changes in the maternal physiology during pregnancy, including blood lipid metabolism. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between lipid profiles in the second and third trimesters of normal pregnancy and fetal birth weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population was derived from 5695 pregnant women, who maintained routine prenatal care at the women's hospital of Zhejiang University, School of medicine January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014. The pregnant women in this study all carried uncomplicated singleton pregnancies to at least 37 weeks. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) birth weight was 3361.00 (385.94) g; 413 (7.3%) of the infants were large for gestational age, and 330 (5.8%) were macrosomia. On multiple linear regression analysis, positive determinants of birth weight were gravidity, parity, gestational age at delivery, male infant, maternal height, and weight before pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, second-trimester cholesterol (TC) and third-trimester triglyceride (TG), gestational albumin (ALB), and third-trimester high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels were each negatively associated with birth weight. On logistic regression analysis, the significant metabolic lipid predictors of delivering a large-for-gestational-age infant were second- and third-trimester TG (aOR = 1.178, 95% CI 1.032-1.344, p = 0.015; aOR = 1.106, 95% CI 1.043-1.173, p = 0.001, respectively) and second- and third-trimester HDL-C level (aOR = 0.655, 95% CI 0.491-0.874, p = 0.004; aOR = 0.505, 95% CI 0.391-0.651, p < 0.001, respectively). Third-trimester TG and HDL-C were stable predictors of large-for-gestational-age infants in stratification analysis. High TG and low HDL-C level during third trimester could be considered as indicators of a high risk of large for gestational age (LGA) and macrosomia, regardless of infant gender. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that future lifestyle programs in women of reproductive age with a focus on lowering TG levels (i.e., diet, weight reduction, and physical activity) may help to reduce the incidence of LGA and macrosomia.

Predictive value of cervical length by ultrasound and cervical strain elastography in labor induction at term.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine whether addition of cervical elastographic parameters measured by ElastoScan for the cervix (E-cervix) improves the predictive value of cervical length (CL) in induction of labor at term by dinoprostone. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational study between January 2020 and June 2020 in term primiparous women (n = 73) who were scheduled for labor induction by a 10-mg dinoprostone vaginal insert. The time intervals from the start of labor induction to regular uterine contractions and to vaginal delivery were calculated as the primary outcomes. We divided subjects into two groups using a threshold of 24 hours. Ultrasound measurements were compared between the two groups and the area under the curve (AUC) of the prediction model was calculated. RESULTS: Women who delivered vaginally within 24 hours had a shorter CL and softer cervix than those who delivered after 24 hours. The combination of CL and elastographic parameters increased the AUC to 0.672 compared with CL alone (AUC = 0.637). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement by E-cervix is relatively reproducible. Addition of cervical strain elastography slightly improves the predictive performance of CL in vaginal delivery within 24 hours. This technique is a promising ancillary tool for use with ultrasound.

Association between maternal blood lipids levels during pregnancy and risk of small-for-gestational-age infants.

Dyslipidemia in pregnancy are associated with risk of adverse outcomes. As an adverse pregnancy outcome, small-for-gestational-age has been extensively studied in Western countries. However, similar studies have rarely been conducted in Asian countries. Data were derived from 5695 pairs of non-diabetic mothers and neonates between 1 Jan 2014 and 31 Dec 2014. 5.6% neonates in our study were SGA. Serum samples were collected during second and third trimesters for evaluation on fasting lipids levels. The present study intended to explore the associations between maternal lipid profile and small-for-gestational-age neonates. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and adjusted via logistic regression analysis. After adjustments for confounders, third-trimester total cholesterol levels were associated with a decreased risk for small-for-gestational-age (aOR = 0.622, 95% CI 0.458-0.848, P = 0.002), and third-trimester high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were associated with an increased risk for small-for-gestational-age (aOR = 1.955, 95% CI 1.465-2.578, P < 0.001; aOR = 1.403, 95% CI 1.014-1.944, P = 0.041).In the highest gestational weight gain strata, especially the third-trimester, the effect of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on the risk for small-for-gestational-age is larger. High high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level during third trimester could be considered as indicators of a high-risk of small-for-gestational-age, regardless of gestational weight gain.

Is Noninvasive Prenatal Screening Appropriate for Pregnant Women Age 35 or Older In Cases if Isolated Fetal Nasal Bone Abnormalities in The Chinese Han Population?

BACKGROUND Ethnic background may affect the prevalence of nasal bone absence and the length of the nasal bone. This study aimed to elucidate the significance of absent or hypoplastic fetal nasal bone in the Chinese Han population and to formulate an optimal management plan for patients age 35 or older in cases of isolated abnormal fetal nasal bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS We prospectively assigned pregnant women whose fetuses had nasal bone absence or hypoplasia to separate groups according to their choice for noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018. Demographic data, ultrasound findings, results of conventional maternal serum screening and NIPS, fetal karyotype, pregnancy outcomes, and expenses associated with prenatal testing were recorded. The incidence and odds ratio of nasal bone abnormality and the sensitivity and specificity of different prenatal genetic screening tests were calculated. RESULTS A total of 1946 cases with fetal nasal bone absence or hypoplasia were included. Cases of isolated nasal bone abnormality (1736 cases) were divided into the NIPS group (Gr 1, n=429) and the non-NIPS group (Gr 2, n=1307). Sixty-four cases involved chromosomal abnormality. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of NIPS in Gr 1 were 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The odds ratio of fetal chromosomal abnormalities for isolated fetal nasal bone abnormalities when maternal age was ≥35 was 4.615 (95% CI: 1.592-13.381). The cost-effectiveness ratio of contingent screening (NIPS first) was significantly lower than amniocentesis directly. CONCLUSIONS The nasal bone provides an important marker for chromosome abnormalities in some populations, but to a lesser extent in the Chinese Han population. NIPS is an excellent first option for follow-up among pregnant women age ≥35 in cases of absent or hypoplastic fetal nasal bone in the first trimester ultrasound scan.

Analysing the likelihood of caesarean birth after implementation of the two-childbirth policy in China, using the Ten Group Classification System.

The aim of this study was to identify the main contributor to the high Caesarean section birth rate at a regional perinatal medical centre using the Robson Ten Group Classification System (TGCS). A total of 54,085 women were surveyed and were included in our study from 2015 to 2017 at the Women's Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hangzhou, China. The Caesarean birth rate was similar among the three years; although, the new two-childbirth policy in China has been in implementation since 2016. According to the TGCS, Group 5 was the largest contributor to the overall Caesarean birth rate (40.79%), followed by Group 2 (21.36%). The Caesarean birth rate of Group 5 and Group 2 decreased significantly from 2015 to 2017 (p < .05). The proportion of Group 7 contributing to the overall Caesarean birth rate increased significantly (p < .05). Future efforts should focus on increasing vaginal birth after Caesarean in Group 5 and external cephalic version in Group 7 to decrease the overall Caesarean birth rate.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The Ten Group Classification System (TGCS) proposed by World Health Organisation was used in some countries such as Queensland, Singapore and Japan to assess and compare Caesarean section rates. The main contributor to the high Caesarean birth rate varies in different counties. However, it is not widely used in China.What the results of this study add? It was the first study using the TGCS to analyse the Caesarean birth rate and the changes after implementation of the two-childbirth policy in China. It identified that Group 5 (multiparous mothers with a previous Caesarean birth in a singleton, cephalic full-term pregnancy) constituted the most important determinant of overall Caesarean birth rates, followed by Group 2 (nulliparous mothers with a singleton, cephalic full-term pregnancy undergoing an induction of labour or prelabour Caesarean birth). The contribution of Group 5 and Group 7 (multiparous women with a single breech pregnancy) to the overall Caesarean birth rate has increased significantly since the new childbirth policy was implemented.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Future efforts should focus on increasing vaginal birth after Caesarean in Group 5 and external cephalic version in Group 7 to decrease the overall Caesarean birth rate in China.

Comparison of different therapeutic strategies for complete hydatidiform mole in women at least 40 years old: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There are three main therapeutic strategies, namely expectant management (dilation and curettage only), prophylactic chemotherapy and prophylactic total hysterectomy for treating older women with complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). However, the scientific community has so far, not unanimously accepted the above-mentioned methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapeutic strategies in preventing post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) pertaining to patients with CHM who were at least 40 years old. METHODS: Hundred and seventy-one patients from our hospital who had histologically been diagnosed of CHM and underwent treatment from January 2004 to December 2013 were included. All patients were followed continuously for a minimum of 2 years after which relevant clinical data were extracted and analysed. RESULTS: All patients were divided to three groups. Group 1 consisted of 124 patients, treated by expectant management, and the incidence of post-molar GTN was 37.1%. Group 2 included 12 patients who received prophylactic chemotherapy, with an incidence of 41.7%. The remaining 35 patients, Group 3, underwent prophylactic total hysterectomy, with the lowest incidence of 11.4%. A significantly lower incidence was noted in group 3 as compared to group 1 (P = 0.004). GTN patients who received prophylactic chemotherapy required, on average, longer time to be diagnosed of GTN and had higher probability of chemotherapy resistance (P = 0.031 and P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective analysis showed that prophylactic total hysterectomy was the most effective therapeutic strategy for treating CHM in women at least 40 years old of age.

Prenatal diagnosis and prognosis of isolated subependymal cysts: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of prenatal diagnosis of subependymal cysts (SEC). Diagnoses were made by brain ultrasonography (bUS) and confirmed by fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: We reviewed all the cases of isolated SEC diagnosed antenatally in our center from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015, and confirmed by fetal MRI. We followed up their evolution throughout pregnancy and the neonatal neurodevelopment at 3, 6, and 12 months using the Gesell Developmental Schedule. RESULTS: Among the 91 cases in the cohort, 74 were bilateral and 17 unilateral. The SEC were significantly smaller in unilateral than bilateral cases (P < .001). Among the 35 cases with repeated bUS, SEC remained stable or decreased in size with advancing gestational age in 86% of cases. After excluding terminations of pregnancy (n = 13), neurodevelopment was normal in 75/78 (96%) cases with developmental quotient ≧85. CONCLUSION: Isolated SEC are usually a benign finding. Accurate diagnosis is important to differentiate SEC from other pathologic brain conditions with a combination of brain ultrasonography and MRI.