Area of the Fetal Ascending and Descending Aorta by Spatiotemporal Image Correlation in the Rendering Mode: Reproducibility and Comparison with Pregestational Diabetic Mothers.

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the ascending and descending aorta area measurements by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in the rendering mode comparing these measurements with pregestational diabetic mothers and assessing the reproducibility of the method. Methods: We carried out a retrospective cross-sectional study with 58 normal and nine fetuses from pregestational diabetic mothers between 20 and 33 + 6 weeks of gestation. Fetal heart volumes were acquired at the level of four-chamber view to obtain the reconstructed planes for the ascending and descending aorta areas in the rendering mode. Linear regression was performed to assess the correlation between the fetal aorta areas and gestational age (GA). To assess the intra- and interobserver reproducibility, we used the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Results: The mean ascending and descending aorta areas were 0.12 (0.02-0.48) and 0.11 (0.04-0.39) cm2 in normal fetuses, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between GA and ascending aorta area measurements (0.005676*GA - 0.01283; r = 0.53, P < 0.0001) and strong positive correlation between GA and descending aorta area (0.01095*GA - 0.1581; r = 0.68, P < 0.0001). We observed a weak intra- and interobserver reproducibility with CCC ranging from 0.05 to 0.91. The mean difference in the ascending and descending aorta area measurements of normal and fetuses of pregestational diabetic mothers was -0.03 cm2 (P = 0.276) and -0.03 cm2 (P = 0.231), respectively. Conclusion: The fetal ascending and descending aorta area measurements obtained by 3D ultrasound using STIC in the rendering mode increased with GA in normal fetuses. The method showed weak intra- and interobserver reproducibility.

Evaluation of cardiac contractility of fetuses from pregestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies by three-dimensional ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate cardiac contractility in fetuses from pregestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies by three-dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation in rendering mode. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on 40 fetuses from nondiabetic pregnancies and 28 pregestational diabetic pregnancies between 20 and 33 weeks and 6 days. Cardiac contractility was assessed by measuring the ventricular myocardial area in diastole subtracted from the ventricular myocardial area in systole. RESULTS: Pregestational diabetic pregnancies had a lower maternal age than nondiabetic pregnancies (26.7 vs. 39.9 years, p=0.019). Cardiac contractility in fetuses from diabetic and nondiabetic pregnancies was similar (p=0.293). A moderately positive and significant correlation was observed between gestational age and cardiac contractility (r=0.46, p=0.0004). A 1-week increase in gestational age was responsible for a 0.1386 cm2 increase in cardiac contractility. CONCLUSION: Cardiac contractility as evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation in rendering mode showed no significant differences across fetuses with and without pregestational diabetes.

Parvovirus B19 Infection and Pregnancy: Review of the Current Knowledge.

Parvovirus B19, a member of the Parvoviridae family, is a human pathogenic virus. It can be transmitted by respiratory secretions, hand-to-mouth contact, blood transfusion, or transplacental transmission. Most patients are asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms such as erythema infectiosum, especially in children. In rare cases, moderate-to-severe symptoms may occur, affecting blood cells and other systems, resulting in anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia. Non-immune pregnant women are at risk for fetal infection by parvovirus B19, with greater complications if transmission occurs in the first or second trimester. Infected fetuses may not show any abnormalities in most cases, but in more severe cases, there may be severe fetal anemia, hydrops, and even pregnancy loss. Maternal diagnosis of intrauterine parvovirus B19 infection includes IgG and IgM antibody testing. For fetal diagnosis, PCR is performed through amniocentesis. In addition to diagnosing the infection, it is important to monitor the peak of systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery (PVS-MCA) Doppler to assess the presence of fetal anemia. There is no vaccine for parvovirus B19, and fetal management focuses on detecting moderate/severe anemia by fetal PVS-MCA Doppler, which, if diagnosed, should be treated with intrauterine transfusion by cordocentesis. Prevention focuses on reducing exposure in high-risk populations, particularly pregnant women.

Influence of maternal and perinatal complications on therapeutic hypothermia in newborns with low Apgar scores.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of therapeutic hypothermia on maternal and perinatal outcomes in newborns with Apgar score<7 at the 5th min. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out with 55 newborns who had an Apgar score<7 at the 5th min (35 without and 20 with therapeutic hypothermia) from low-risk pregnancies between 33 and 41 weeks gestation. The Apgar score was calculated through an objective assessment by a neonatologist in the delivery room. Therapeutic hypothermia was indicated by a neonatologist in the delivery room, according to the protocol established by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of both groups (without and with therapeutic hypothermia) were compared. RESULTS: A rate of Apgar score<7 at the 5th min was 1.02%. No statistical differences were observed between the two groups (without and with therapeutic hypothermia) regarding maternal/perinatal complications. The presence of maternal/perinatal complications did not increase the odds ratio of neonatal therapeutic hypothermia in newborns with Apgar score<7 at the 5th min. CONCLUSION: The rate of Apgar score<7 at the 5th min was low, and it was not associated with any maternal/perinatal complications. There was no significant difference in maternal/perinatal complications between newborns who received therapeutic hypothermia and those who did not.

Cytomegalovirus and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common congenital infection worldwide, affecting between 0.7% and 1% of all live births. Approximately 11% of infected newborns are symptomatic at birth, and between 30% and 40% of these are at risk of developing long-term neurological sequelae. Until recently, the lack of an effective treatment did not justify universal testing of pregnant women. In recent years, however, valacyclovir at a dose of 8 g/day has been shown to be effective in preventing vertical transmission, and ganciclovir has been shown to be effective in preventing long-term sequelae in the treatment of symptomatic neonates. The aim of this article is to review congenital CMV infection, from its epidemiology to its treatment, using the most recent studies in the literature, and to help in the decision to modify protocols for universal testing of pregnant women according to the possibilities of each locality.

Comparison of obstetric and perinatal complications in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles with autologous oocytes and donated oocytes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the obstetric and perinatal complications in women who became pregnant with autologous oocytes and those who received donated oocytes (DO) in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (ICSI). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out by collecting data from medical records between 2019 and 2022. Only patients who underwent ICSI in an induced cycle using their own or freshly DO, with male infertility factor and tubal factor, were included. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were assessed, comprising 51 cases utilizing their own oocytes (control group) and 69 cases employing DO (study group). Patients receiving DO (n=69) exhibited a significantly higher mean age compared to those utilizing their own oocytes (n=51) (41.96±2.16 vs 38.54±1.42 years, p<0.001). There was no significant association between the source of oocytes and gestational age at delivery (p=0.296), birth weight (p=0.836), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) (p=0.120), or maternal admission to adult ICU (p=0.767). Additionally, the origin of oocytes did not demonstrate any significant association with the risk of pre-eclampsia (p=0.357), gestational diabetes mellitus (p=0.187), premature rupture of membranes (p=0.996), uterine atony (p=0.996), placenta previa (p=0.393), oligohydramnios (p=0.393), or gestational hypertension (p=0.393)." CONCLUSION: An increase in obstetric and perinatal complications was not observed in pregnancies with DO compared to pregnancies with autologous oocytes in women undergoing ICSI without prior comorbidities. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate our findings.

Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage according to the Robson classification in a low-risk maternity hospital.

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) according to the Robson Classification in a low-risk maternity hospital. Methods: We conducted retrospective cohort study by analyzing the medical records of pregnant women attended in a low-risk maternity hospital, during from November 2019 to November 2021. Variables analyzed were: maternal age, type of delivery, birth weight, parity, Robson Classification, and causes of PPH. We compared the occurrence of PPH between pregnant women with spontaneous (Groups 1 and 3) and with induction of labor (2a and 4a). Chi-square and Student t-tests were performed. Variables were compared using binary logistic regression. Results: There were 11,935 deliveries during the study period. According to Robson's Classification, 48.2% were classified as 1 and 3 (Group I: 5,750/11,935) and 26.1% as 2a and 4a (Group II: 3,124/11,935). Group II had higher prevalence of PPH than Group I (3.5 vs. 2.7%, p=0.028). Labor induction increased the occurrence of PPH by 18.8% (RR: 1.188, 95% CI: 1.02-1.36, p=0.030). Model including forceps delivery [x2(3)=10.6, OR: 7.26, 95%CI: 3.32-15.84, R2 Nagelkerke: 0.011, p<0.001] and birth weight [x2(4)=59.0, OR: 1.001, 95%CI:1.001-1.001, R2 Nagelkerke: 0.033, p<0.001] was the best for predicting PPH in patients classified as Robson 1, 3, 2a, and 4a. Birth weight was poor predictor of PPH (area under ROC curve: 0.612, p<0.001, 95%CI: 0.572-0.653). Conclusion: Robson Classification 2a and 4a showed the highest rates of postpartum hemorrhage. The model including forceps delivery and birth weight was the best predictor for postpartum hemorrhage in Robson Classification 1, 3, 2a, and 4a.

Prevalence of early neonatal sepsis and positive maternal culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis in pregnant women with a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus in a middle-income city in Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving singleton low- and high-risk pregnancies in whom group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures were evaluated between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation using vaginal and anal swabs. A specific medium (Todd-Hewitt) was used for culturing. The pregnant women were divided into two groups based on positive (n==201) and negative (n==420) cultures for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. RESULTS: The maternal colonization rate by group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was 32.3%. The prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was 1.0% (2/201) among patients with a positive group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus culture and 1.9% (8/420) among patients with a negative culture. Among the patients who underwent adequate prophylaxis, crystalline penicillin G was used in 51.9% (54/104), followed by cefazolin in 43.3% (45/104), ampicillin in 3.8% (4/104), and clindamycin in 1.0% (1/104). A model that included prematurity (p==0.001) proved to be an independent risk predictor of early neonatal sepsis [χ2 (1)==15.0, odds ratio: 16.9, 95% confidence interval: 4.7-61.6, p<0.001, Nagelkerke R2==0.157]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was high. However, the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was low in pregnant women with both positive and negative group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures and in pregnant women with a positive culture who underwent both adequate and inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis. Prematurity proved to be an independent predictor of early neonatal sepsis, considering the entire study population.

Evaluation of the efficacy of labor induction with vaginal misoprostol in a low-risk pregnant women population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate and predictors of labor induction using vaginal misoprostol in a low-risk pregnant women population. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out with 196 pregnant women. Groups 2 and 4 of the Robson Classification admitted for induction of labor with vaginal misoprostol (25 µg tablets every 6 h, up to 4 tablets, for a maximum of 24 h). The success of labor induction was considered the achievement of vaginal delivery. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the best predictors of successful induction of labor with vaginal misoprostol. RESULTS: Of all the pregnant women analyzed, 140 (71.4%) were successful and 56 (28.6%) were unsuccessful. Pregnant women who achieved successful induction had a higher number of pregnancies (1.69 vs. 1.36, p=0.023), a higher number of deliveries (0.57 vs. 0.19, p<0.001), a higher Bishop score (2.0 vs. 1.38, p=0.002), and lower misoprostol 25 µg tablets (2.18 vs. 2.57, p=0.031). No previous deliveries [x2(1)=3.14, odds ratio (OR): 0.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10-0.57, R2 Nagelkerke: 0.91, p=0.001] and the presence of one previous delivery [x2(1)=6.0, OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.13-10.16, R2 Nagelkerke: 0.043, p=0.029] were significant predictors of successful induction of labor with vaginal misoprostol. CONCLUSION: A high rate of labor induction success using vaginal misoprostol in a low-risk population was observed, mainly in multiparous and with gestational age>41 weeks. No previous delivery decreased the success of labor induction, while one previous delivery increased the success of labor induction.

Influence of Cesarean Section Scar on the Mean Pulsatility Index of the Uterine Artery Doppler between 20 and 34 Weeks of Gestation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the cesarean section scars on the mean pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine artery Doppler between 20 and 34 weeks of gestation. A secondary objective was to assess the association between previous cesarean section and adverse maternal/perinatal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with pregnant women who had their deliveries between March 2014 and February 2023. PI of the uterine arteries Doppler was performed transvaginally between 20-24 weeks and transabdominally between 28-34 weeks. The following variables were considered adverse perinatal outcomes: birth weight < 10th percentile for gestational age, preeclampsia, premature birth, placental abruption, perinatal death, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Results: A total of 479 pregnant women were included in the final statistical analysis, being that 70.6% (338/479) had no (Group I) and 29.4% (141/479) had at least one previous cesarean section (Group II). Pregnant women with a previous cesarean had higher median of mean PI (1.06 vs. 0.97, p = 0.044) and median MoM of mean PI uterine arteries Doppler (1.06 vs. 0.98, p = 0.037) than pregnant women without previous cesarean section at ultrasound 20-24 weeks. Pregnant women with a previous cesarean section had higher median of mean PI (0.77 vs. 0.70, p < 0.001) and mean MoM PI uterine arteries Doppler (1.08 vs. 0.99, p < 0.001) than pregnant women without previous cesarean section at ultrasound 28-34 weeks. Pregnant women with ≥ 2 previous cesarean sections had a higher median of mean PI uterine arteries Doppler than those with no previous cesarean sections (1.19 vs. 0.97, p = 0.036). Group II had a lower risk of postpartum hemorrhage (aPR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.75, p = 0.009) and composite neonatal outcome (aPR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49-0.88, p = 0.006). Group II had a higher risk of APGAR score at the 5th minute < 7 (aPR 0.75, 95% CI 1.49-51.29, p = 0.016). Conclusion: The number of previous cesarean sections had a significant influence on the mean PI uterine arteries Doppler between 20-24 and 28-34 weeks of gestation. Previous cesarean section was an independent predictor of postpartum hemorrhage and APGAR score at the 5th minute < 7. Pregnancy-associated arterial hypertension and number of previous deliveries influenced the risk of composite neonatal outcome, but not the presence of previous cesarean section alone.

Evaluation of cardiac contractility of fetuses from pregestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies by three-dimensional ultrasound

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate cardiac contractility in fetuses from pregestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies by three-dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation in rendering mode. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on 40 fetuses from nondiabetic pregnancies and 28 pregestational diabetic pregnancies between 20 and 33 weeks and 6 days. Cardiac contractility was assessed by measuring the ventricular myocardial area in diastole subtracted from the ventricular myocardial area in systole. RESULTS: Pregestational diabetic pregnancies had a lower maternal age than nondiabetic pregnancies (26.7 vs. 39.9 years, p=0.019). Cardiac contractility in fetuses from diabetic and nondiabetic pregnancies was similar (p=0.293). A moderately positive and significant correlation was observed between gestational age and cardiac contractility (r=0.46, p=0.0004). A 1-week increase in gestational age was responsible for a 0.1386 cm2 increase in cardiac contractility. CONCLUSION: Cardiac contractility as evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation in rendering mode showed no significant differences across fetuses with and without pregestational diabetes.

Influence of maternal and perinatal complications on therapeutic hypothermia in newborns with low Apgar scores

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of therapeutic hypothermia on maternal and perinatal outcomes in newborns with Apgar score<7 at the 5th min. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out with 55 newborns who had an Apgar score<7 at the 5th min (35 without and 20 with therapeutic hypothermia) from low-risk pregnancies between 33 and 41 weeks gestation. The Apgar score was calculated through an objective assessment by a neonatologist in the delivery room. Therapeutic hypothermia was indicated by a neonatologist in the delivery room, according to the protocol established by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of both groups (without and with therapeutic hypothermia) were compared. RESULTS: A rate of Apgar score<7 at the 5th min was 1.02%. No statistical differences were observed between the two groups (without and with therapeutic hypothermia) regarding maternal/perinatal complications. The presence of maternal/perinatal complications did not increase the odds ratio of neonatal therapeutic hypothermia in newborns with Apgar score<7 at the 5th min. CONCLUSION: The rate of Apgar score<7 at the 5th min was low, and it was not associated with any maternal/perinatal complications. There was no significant difference in maternal/perinatal complications between newborns who received therapeutic hypothermia and those who did not.

Prevalence of early neonatal sepsis and positive maternal culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis in pregnant women with a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus in a middle-income city in Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving singleton low- and high-risk pregnancies in whom group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures were evaluated between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation using vaginal and anal swabs. A specific medium (Todd-Hewitt) was used for culturing. The pregnant women were divided into two groups based on positive (n==201) and negative (n==420) cultures for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. RESULTS: The maternal colonization rate by group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was 32.3%. The prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was 1.0% (2/201) among patients with a positive group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus culture and 1.9% (8/420) among patients with a negative culture. Among the patients who underwent adequate prophylaxis, crystalline penicillin G was used in 51.9% (54/104), followed by cefazolin in 43.3% (45/104), ampicillin in 3.8% (4/104), and clindamycin in 1.0% (1/104). A model that included prematurity (p==0.001) proved to be an independent risk predictor of early neonatal sepsis [χ2 (1)==15.0, odds ratio: 16.9, 95% confidence interval: 4.7-61.6, p<0.001, Nagelkerke R2==0.157]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was high. However, the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was low in pregnant women with both positive and negative group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures and in pregnant women with a positive culture who underwent both adequate and inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis. Prematurity proved to be an independent predictor of early neonatal sepsis, considering the entire study population.

Evaluation of the efficacy of labor induction with vaginal misoprostol in a low-risk pregnant women population

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate and predictors of labor induction using vaginal misoprostol in a low-risk pregnant women population. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out with 196 pregnant women. Groups 2 and 4 of the Robson Classification admitted for induction of labor with vaginal misoprostol (25 μg tablets every 6 h, up to 4 tablets, for a maximum of 24 h). The success of labor induction was considered the achievement of vaginal delivery. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the best predictors of successful induction of labor with vaginal misoprostol. RESULTS: Of all the pregnant women analyzed, 140 (71.4%) were successful and 56 (28.6%) were unsuccessful. Pregnant women who achieved successful induction had a higher number of pregnancies (1.69 vs. 1.36, p=0.023), a higher number of deliveries (0.57 vs. 0.19, p<0.001), a higher Bishop score (2.0 vs. 1.38, p=0.002), and lower misoprostol 25 μg tablets (2.18 vs. 2.57, p=0.031). No previous deliveries [x2(1)=3.14, odds ratio (OR): 0.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10-0.57, R2 Nagelkerke: 0.91, p=0.001] and the presence of one previous delivery [x2(1)=6.0, OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.13-10.16, R2 Nagelkerke: 0.043, p=0.029] were significant predictors of successful induction of labor with vaginal misoprostol. CONCLUSION: A high rate of labor induction success using vaginal misoprostol in a low-risk population was observed, mainly in multiparous and with gestational age>41 weeks. No previous delivery decreased the success of labor induction, while one previous delivery increased the success of labor induction.

Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage according to the Robson classification in a low-risk maternity hospital

Abstract Objective To evaluate the risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) according to the Robson Classification in a low-risk maternity hospital. Methods We conducted retrospective cohort study by analyzing the medical records of pregnant women attended in a low-risk maternity hospital, during from November 2019 to November 2021. Variables analyzed were: maternal age, type of delivery, birth weight, parity, Robson Classification, and causes of PPH. We compared the occurrence of PPH between pregnant women with spontaneous (Groups 1 and 3) and with induction of labor (2a and 4a). Chi-square and Student t-tests were performed. Variables were compared using binary logistic regression. Results There were 11,935 deliveries during the study period. According to Robson's Classification, 48.2% were classified as 1 and 3 (Group I: 5,750/11,935) and 26.1% as 2a and 4a (Group II: 3,124/11,935). Group II had higher prevalence of PPH than Group I (3.5 vs. 2.7%, p=0.028). Labor induction increased the occurrence of PPH by 18.8% (RR: 1.188, 95% CI: 1.02-1.36, p=0.030). Model including forceps delivery [x2(3)=10.6, OR: 7.26, 95%CI: 3.32-15.84, R2 Nagelkerke: 0.011, p<0.001] and birth weight [x2(4)=59.0, OR: 1.001, 95%CI:1.001-1.001, R2 Nagelkerke: 0.033, p<0.001] was the best for predicting PPH in patients classified as Robson 1, 3, 2a, and 4a. Birth weight was poor predictor of PPH (area under ROC curve: 0.612, p<0.001, 95%CI: 0.572-0.653). Conclusion Robson Classification 2a and 4a showed the highest rates of postpartum hemorrhage. The model including forceps delivery and birth weight was the best predictor for postpartum hemorrhage in Robson Classification 1, 3, 2a, and 4a.

Accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying fetal acidemia by umbilical cord blood analysis in low-risk pregnancies

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying fetal acidemia by umbilical cord blood analysis in low-risk pregnancies. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnancies in labor after performing intrapartum cardiotocography categories I, II, and III. The presence of fetal acidemia at birth was identified by analyzing the pH of umbilical cord arterial blood (pH<7.1). RESULTS: No significant effect of the cardiotocography category on the arterial (p=0.543) and venous (p=0.770) pH of umbilical cord blood was observed. No significant association was observed between the cardiotocography category and the presence of fetal acidemia (p=0.706), 1-min Apgar score <7 (p=0.260), hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (p=0.605), newborn death within the first 48 h, need for neonatal resuscitation (p=0.637), and adverse perinatal outcomes (p=0.373). Sensitivities of 62, 31, and 6.0%; positive predictive values of 11.0, 16.0, and 10.0%; and negative predictive values of 85, 89.0, and 87.0% were observed for cardiotocography categories I, II, and III, respectively. CONCLUSION: The three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography presented low sensitivities and high negative predictive values to identify fetal acidemia at birth in low-risk pregnancies.

Ultrassonografia morfológica de primeiro trimestre: importante ferramenta para rastreio de aneuploidias e pré-eclâmpsia / First-trimester morphological ultrasound: important tool for aneuploidy and pre-eclampsia screening

No início do século 20, as altas taxas de mortalidade materna e infantil estimularam o desenvolvimento de um modelo de atendimento pré-natal que mantivesse características parecidas até os dias atuais. Nesse modelo, haveria maior concentração de visitas durante o final do terceiro trimestre de gestação, devido às maiores taxas de complicações nas fases finais da gestação e à dificuldade de prever a ocorrência de resultados adversos durante o primeiro trimestre. Atualmente, a avaliação clínica durante o primeiro trimestre, com auxílio da ultrassonografia e marcadores bioquímicos, pode prever uma série de complicações que acometem a gestação, incluindo cromossomopatias, pré-eclâmpsia, restrição de crescimento fetal, anomalias fetais e trabalho de parto pré-termo.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the high rates of maternal and infant mortality stimulated the development of a model of prenatal care that maintained similar characteristics until the present day. In this model, there would be a greater concentration of visits during the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, due to the higher rates of complications in the final stages of pregnancy and the difficulty in predicting the occurrence of adverse outcomes during the first trimester. Currently, clinical evaluation during the first trimester, with the aid of ultrasound and biochemical markers, can predict a series of complications that affect pregnancy, including chromosomal disorders, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, fetal anomalies and preterm labor.

Action of enfuvirtide on the pregnancy of albino rats ( Rattus norvegicus albinus, Rodentia, Mammalia ): biological assay and functional and histological analyses of exposed maternal-fetal organs

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effects of enfuvirtide on pregnancy in albino rats and their fetuses. Methods Forty pregnant EPM 1 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control (E) (distilled water twice/day), G1 (4mg/kg/day enfuvirtide), G2 (12mg/kg/day enfuvirtide), and G3 (36mg/kg/day enfuvirtide) groups. On the 20th day of gestation, the rats were anesthetized and subjected to cesarean section. Their blood was collected for laboratory analysis, and they were sacrificed. The offspring's fragments of their kidneys, liver, and placentas and the maternal rats' fragments of their lungs, kidneys, and liver were separated in the immediate postpartum period for light microscopy analysis. Results No maternal deaths occurred. In the second week at the end of pregnancy, the mean weight of the G3 Group was significantly lower than that of the G2 Group (p=0.029 and p=0.028, respectively). Analyzing blood laboratory parameters, the G1 Group had the lowest mean amylase level, and the G2 Group had the lowest mean hemoglobin level and the highest mean platelet count. In the morphological analysis, there were no changes in organs, such as the kidneys and liver, in both the maternal rats and offspring. Three maternal rats in the G3 Group had pulmonary inflammation in the lungs. Conclusion Enfuvirtide has no significant adverse effects on pregnancy, conceptual products, or functional alterations in maternal rats.

Labor analgesia and its impact on the maternal and perinatal outcomes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in parturients undergoing labor analgesia. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in parturients who underwent labor analgesia. Parturients were categorized into three groups: Group 1 (n=83)—analgesia performed with cervical dilatation ≤4.0 cm; Group 2 (n=82)—analgesia performed with cervical dilatation between 5.0 and 8.0 cm; and Group 3 (n=83)—analgesia performed with cervical dilatation ≥9.0 cm. RESULTS: Analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≥9.0 cm showed a higher prevalence and a 3.86-fold increase (OR 3.86; 95%CI 1.50-9.87; p=0.009) in the risk of forceps delivery. Analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≤4.0 cm showed a higher prevalence and a 3.31-fold increase (OR 3.31; 95%CI 1.62-6.77; p=0.0016) in the risk of cesarean section. Analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≥9.0 cm was associated with a higher prevalence of fetal bradycardia (20.7%), a need for neonatal oxygen therapy (6.1%), and a need for admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (4.9%). Analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≤4 cm was associated with a higher prevalence of Apgar score <7 at 1st minute (44.6%). CONCLUSION: Performing labor analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≤4.0 or ≥9.0 cm was associated with a higher prevalence of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying acidemia at birth by umbilical cord blood gasometry in high-risk pregnancies

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying acidemia at birth by umbilical cord blood gasometry in high-risk pregnancies. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton high-risk parturients using intrapartum cardiotocography categories I, II, and III. The presence of fetal acidemia at birth was identified by the analysis of umbilical cord arterial blood pH (<7.1). Associations between variables were determined using the chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: We included 105 cases of cardiotocography category I, 20 cases of cardiotocography category II, and 10 cases of cardiotocography category III. cardiotocography category III had a higher prevalence of cesarean sections compared to cardiotocography category I (90.0 vs. 42.9%, p<0.006). Venous pH was higher in patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category III (7.32 vs. 7.23, p=0.036). Prevalence of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was lower in neonates of patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category III (3.8 vs. 30.0%, p=0.014). Prevalence of composite adverse outcomes was lower in neonates of patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category II (9.5 vs. 30.0%, p=0.022) and cardiotocography category III (9.5 vs. 60.0%, p=0.0004). cardiotocography categories II and III had low sensitivity (0.05 and 0.00, respectively) and high negative predictive value (NPV) (0.84 and 0.91, respectively) for identifying fetal acidemia at birth. The three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography showed high specificities (96.0, 99.0, and 99.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: All three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography showed low sensitivity and high specificity for identifying acidemia at birth.