Pregnancy outcomes in correlation with placental histopathology in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction with vs. without reduced fetal movements.

PURPOSE: Fetal movements are crucial indicators of fetal well-being, with reduced fetal movements (RFM) suggesting potential fetal compromise. Fetal growth restriction (FGR), often linked to placental insufficiency, is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the neonatal, labor, and placental outcomes of FGR pregnancies with and without RFM at term. METHODS: In this retrospective study, data from all term, singleton deliveries with FGR and concomitant RFM were obtained and compared to an equal control group of FGR without RFM. Maternal characteristics, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and placental histology were compared. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent associations with adverse neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, 250 FGR neonates with concomitant RFM and an equal control group were identified. The groups did not differ in maternal demographics aside from significantly higher rates of maternal smoking in the RFM group (p < 0.001). Polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios (p = 0.032 and p = 0.007, respectively) and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (p < 0.001) were more prevalent in the FGR+RFM group. Additionally, the RFM group showed higher rates of adverse neonatal outcomes despite having larger neonates (p = 0.047 and p < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were observed in placental findings. Logistic regression identified RFM as an independent predictor of adverse neonatal outcomes (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.27-4.73, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Reduced fetal movements are significant and independent predictors of worse neonatal outcomes in FGR pregnancies, suggesting an additional acute insult on top of underlying placental insufficiency.

Does the combination of four OGTT values enhance the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes? Insights from a retrospective cohort study.

AIM: To explore the correlation between a singular value of additive OGTT scores and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. We postulated that a higher additive OGTT score would predict poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from all women with a documented complete OGTT result and subsequent diagnosis of GDM. The additive OGTT score was calculated by adding each individual hourly glucose measurement. Maternal demographics, pregnancy and labor characteristics, and neonatal outcomes were compared between the lower-sum and higher-sum OGTT groups. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify confounders associated with adverse outcomes. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 1497 patients were assessed. The group with higher-sum OGTT scores was characterized by increased rates of GDMA2 (p = 0.008), higher insulin doses (p = 0.009), and higher rates of composite maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes (p = 0.021 and p = 0.030, respectively) compared to the lower-sum OGTT group. CONCLUSION: The additive OGTT score may aid in predicting the need for insulin treatment, labor course, and neonatal outcomes in GDM patients.

Pregnancy and placental outcomes according to maternal BMI in women with preeclampsia: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Obesity and preeclampsia share similar patho-mechanisms and can both affect placental pathology. We aimed to investigate pregnancy outcomes in correlation with placental pathology among pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia in three different maternal body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) groups. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, medical and pathological records of patients with preeclampsia and a singleton pregnancy delivered between 2008 and 2021 at a single tertiary medical center were reviewed. Study population was divided into three BMI groups: BMI < 22.6 kg/m2 (low BMI group), 22.7 ≤ BMI ≤ 28.0 kg/m2 (middle-range BMI group), and BMI > 28.0 kg/m2 (high BMI group). Data regarding maternal characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and placental histopathological lesions were compared. RESULTS: The study groups included a total of 295 patients diagnosed with preeclampsia-98, 99, and 98 in the low, middle-range, and high BMI groups respectively. Neonatal birth weight was significantly decreased in the low maternal BMI group compared to both middle and high BMI groups (p = 0.04) with a similar trend seen in placental weight (p = 0.03). Villous changes related to maternal malperfusion were more prevalent in the low and high BMI groups compared to middle-range BMI group (p < 0.01) and composite maternal vascular malperfusion lesions were also more prevalent in the groups of BMI extremities compared to the middle-range BMI group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Maternal BMI might influence neonatal outcomes and placental pathology in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Both extremes of BMI were associated with higher rates of placental maternal vascular malperfusion. Balanced BMI in women at risk for preeclampsia may reduce the incidence of placental lesions.

The effect of watching an informational video prior amniocentesis on maternal anxiety: a randomized controlled trail.

PURPOSE: This randomized controlled trial aimed to ascertain the effect of a pre-procedure informational video on anxiety, pain perception, and satisfaction levels in patients undergoing amniocentesis. METHODS: Patients were randomized into two groups: a video group who watched an informational video prior to the procedure, and a control group who received standard care. Anxiety was gauged both pre- and post-procedure via the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score. Post-procedure, patients' perceived pain, anxiety, and satisfaction levels were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale questionnaire (VAS). RESULTS: Of 110 randomized patients, 100 completed the study and were included in the final analysis. No significant difference was noted in overall anxiety levels between the study and control groups. However, in-procedure anxiety was significantly lower in the video group compared to the control group (p = 0.04). Among patients undergoing amniocentesis for the first time, the subgroup analysis revealed reduced levels of anxiety during the procedure and diminished pain 10 min after the procedure in the video group compared to the control group. (p = 0.041 and p = 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSION: A pre-procedural informational video could help in alleviating anxiety and mitigating pain during amniocentesis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at 27.3.2022 in clinical-trials.gov (identifier NCT05463549).

Diastolic function as an early marker for systolic dysfunction and all-cause mortality among cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Increased survival among active cancer patients exposes a wide range of side effects, including cardiotoxicity, manifested by systolic dysfunction and associated with morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of subclinical function changes and cardiac damage is essential in the management of these patients. Diastolic dysfunction is considered common among cancer patients; however, its effect on systolic dysfunction or mortality is still unknown. METHODS: Data were collected as part of the Israel Cardio-Oncology Registry, enrolling and prospectively following all patients evaluated in the cardio-oncology clinic in the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. All patients underwent echocardiographic examinations including evaluation of diastolic parameters and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Systolic dysfunction was defined as either an absolute reduction >10% in left ventricular ejection fraction to a value below 53% or GLS relative reduction >10% between the 1st and 3rd echocardiography examinations. RESULTS: Overall, 190 active cancer patients were included, with a mean age of 58 ± 15 years and a female predominance (78%). During a median follow-up of 243 days (interquartile ranges [IQR]: 164-401 days), 62 (33%) patients developed systolic dysfunction. Over a median follow-up of 789 days (IQR: 521-968 days), 29 (15%) patients died. There were no significant differences in baseline cardiac risk factors between the groups. Using multivariate analysis, E/e' lateral and e' lateral emerged as significantly associated with systolic dysfunction development and all-cause mortality (P = .015). CONCLUSION: Among active cancer patients, evaluation of diastolic function may provide an early marker for the development of systolic dysfunction, as well as all-cause mortality.

Diastolic strain time as predictor for systolic dysfunction among patients with active breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although diastolic dysfunction is common among patients treated with cancer therapy, no clear evidence has been shown that it predicts systolic dysfunction. This study evaluated the correlation of diastolic strain time (Dst) with the routine echocardiography diastolic parameters and estimated its role in the early detection of cardiotoxicity among patients with active breast cancer. METHODS: Data were collected as part of the Israel Cardio-Oncology Registry (ICOR), a prospective registry enrolling all adult patients referred to the cardio-oncology clinic. All patients with breast cancer, planned for Doxorubicin therapy, were included. Echocardiography, including global longitudinal systolic strain (GLS) and Dst, was assessed at baseline before chemotherapy (T1), during Doxorubicin therapy (T2) and after the completion of Doxorubicin therapy (T3). Cardiotoxicity was determined by GLS relative reduction of ≥15%. Dst was assessed as the time measured (ms) of the myocardium lengthening during diastole. RESULTS: Among 69 patients, 67 (97.1%) were females with a mean age of 52 ± 13 years. Dst was significantly associated with the routine diastolic parameters. Significant GLS reduction was observed in 10 (20%) patients at T3. Both in a univariate and a multivariate analyses, the change in Ds basal time from T1 to T2 emerged to be significantly associated with GLS reduction at T3 (P < .04). CONCLUSIONS: Among breast cancer patients, Dst showed high correlation to the routine diastolic echocardiography parameters. Change in Ds basal time emerged associated with clinically significant systolic dysfunction as measured by GLS reduction.

Cancer Therapeutics-Related Cardiac Dysfunction among Patients with Active Breast Cancer: A Cardio-Oncology Registry.

BACKGROUND: Progress in the treatment of breast cancer has led to substantial improvement in survival, but at the cost of increased side effects, with cardiotoxicity being the most significant one. The commonly used definition is cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD), defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction reduction of > 10%, to a value below 53%. Recent studies have implied that the incidence of CTRCD among patients with breast cancer is decreasing due to lower doses of anthracyclines and low association to trastuzumab and pertuzumab treatment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of CTRCD among patients with active breast cancer and to identify significant associates for its development. METHODS: Data were collected as part of the Israel Cardio-Oncology Registry, which enrolls all patients who are evaluated at the cardio-oncology clinic at our institution. Patients were divided to two groups: CTRCD and no-CTRCD. RESULTS: Among 103 consecutive patients, five (5%) developed CTRCD. There were no significant differences in the baseline cardiac risk factors between the groups. Significant correlations of CTRCD included treatment with trastuzumab (P = 0.001) or pertuzumab (P < 0.001), lower baseline global longitudinal strain (GLS) (P = 0.016), increased left ventricular end systolic diameter (P < 0.001), and lower e' septal (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CTRCD is an important concern among patients with active breast cancer, regardless of baseline risk factors, and is associated with trastuzumab and pertuzumab treatment. Early GLS evaluation may contribute to risk stratification and allow deployment of cardioprotective treatment.

The effect of home ultrasound on maternal anxiety in patients with previous recurrent pregnancy loss: A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with previous recurrent pregnancy loss are subject to increased maternal anxiety and reduced antenatal attachment during the subsequent pregnancy. Maternal anxiety is associated with worse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Home ultrasound is a feasible tool with the potential to alleviate maternal anxiety by ensuring fetal well-being. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of complementing standard prenatal care with twice-weekly telemedicine visits incorporating home ultrasound on maternal anxiety and antenatal attachment in individuals with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized controlled trial, patients with a history of 2 or more prior abortions were randomized early in their subsequent pregnancy in a 1:1 ratio into either the control group, which received standard high-risk prenatal care, or the study group, which received additional twice-weekly home-ultrasound sessions. The home-ultrasound scans assessed fetal pulse, movements, and amniotic fluid volume, aiming to provide maternal reassurance. Patients performed the scans themselves using the Pulsenmore device, with real-time guidance from a physician. Maternal anxiety was assessed using the validated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (STAI-S) and the Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ), while maternal attachment was measured with the validated Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS-2) at 3 time points during pregnancy. The primary outcome was the STAI-S score at the final prenatal visit. A sample size of 50 patients was calculated to detect a 20% difference in the primary outcome. RESULTS: Of the 57 patients recruited, 50 completed the follow-up, 25 in each group. There were no significant differences in demographics between the groups. The primary outcome (STAI score at the last visit) was significantly lower in the device group compared to the control group (P=.037). In addition, the study group exhibited a greater reduction in STAI scores between the first and last visits (P=.045), and a significantly higher MAAS score at the end of the follow-up period (P=.046). CONCLUSION: Integrating routine home-ultrasound telemedicine visits into prenatal care can significantly reduce maternal anxiety during pregnancy and contribute to greater maternal attachment in individuals with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. These results emphasize the potential benefits of home ultrasound as a tool to alleviate anxiety, provide a sense of control, and foster a deeper maternal connection among pregnant individuals who have experienced previous pregnancy loss.

The clinical significance of cervical tears' anatomical location - A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Up to 4.8% of all vaginal deliveries are complicated by significant cervical tears related to maternal compromise, yet the location of the cervical tear and its impact on the attributed risk have not been studied to date. This study aimed to determine the associations between the location and characteristics of cervical tears with short-term maternal complications and outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. Included were all patients that delivered vaginally at our institute between the years 2009-2020 and were diagnosed with a cervical tear. Maternal complications were compared between cases with posterior cervical tears and cases with anterior or lateral cervical tears. Exclusion criteria included patients who delivered by cesarean delivery and preterm labor below 37.0 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: Overall, 96 patients were diagnosed with posterior cervical tears, while 117 patients were diagnosed with anterior or lateral tears. Maternal demographics and pregnancy characteristics were similar between the groups. There were also no differences in delivery outcomes between the groups. Patients with posterior cervical tears had a higher rate of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (6.25 % vs. 0.9 %, p = 0.04) and prolonged hospitalization (35.4 % vs. 23.1 %, p = 0.05), as compared to patients with anterior or lateral tears. There were no differences in other maternal complications. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of posterior cervical tears are at higher risk for maternal adverse outcomes (DIC and prolonged hospitalization), as compared to cases of anterior or lateral tears.

The use of virtual reality during extra-amniotic balloon insertion for pain and anxiety relief-a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labor with an extra-amniotic balloon catheter is a procedure commonly associated with maternal discomfort, pain, and anxiety. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the distractive effect of virtual reality technology on pain and anxiety among pregnant patients who underwent induction of labor with an extra-amniotic balloon catheter. STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized controlled trial, pregnant patients who were undergoing planned induction of labor using an extra-amniotic balloon catheter at term for various obstetrical indications were recruited and randomized in a 1:1 ratio into 2 groups. Patients in the virtual reality group were exposed to a virtual reality technology clip (using SootheVR All-In-One virtual reality care system for pain and anxiety) during the entire extra-amniotic balloon catheter insertion, whereas patients in the control group received the institutional standard care for extra-amniotic balloon catheter insertion. Pain scores, expressed as visual analog scale scores, and maternal hemodynamic parameters were obtained before, during, and after extra-amniotic balloon catheter insertion. Anxiety was evaluated using the validated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale before and after the procedure. Maternal satisfaction with the virtual reality technology was also recorded. The primary outcome was the change in visual analog scale score before and during extra-amniotic balloon catheter insertion. Among the secondary outcomes was the change in anxiety levels before and after extra-amniotic balloon catheter insertion. The study was powered to detect a 25% decrease in the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 132 pregnant patients were recruited (66 in each group). There were no differences between groups in terms of age, body mass index, gestational age at enrollment, indication for induction of labor, and preprocedural visual analog scale score and anxiety levels. The change in visual analog scale score (maximal visual analog scale score during the procedure minus the initial visual analog scale score before the procedure, ie, the primary outcome) was significantly lower in the virtual reality group than in the control group (2.78±3.0 vs 4.09±2.99; P=.01). In addition, the virtual reality group experienced a higher rate of anxiety relief, expressed as the difference between the preprocedure and postprocedure State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale scores (-6.46±9.6 vs -2.01±9.11; P=.007). Patients in the virtual reality group reported a very high overall (94%) satisfaction score. CONCLUSION: In this randomized controlled trial, we demonstrated that the use of virtual reality technology among patients who underwent induction of labor using an extra-amniotic balloon catheter was associated with lower visual analog scale scores during the procedure and a significant reduction in anxiety than patients who received standard care. There was also a very high satisfaction rate with the use of virtual reality technology.

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by placental abruption with vs. without supporting sonographic findings- A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Placental abruption (PA) is a major obstetric complication associated with worse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Though ultrasound findings may support the diagnosis of PA, the association of such findings to the severity of PA and maternal and neonatal outcomes is not yet clear. We aimed to assess the maternal and neonatal outcomes of PA cases with vs. without related sonographic findings. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, all deliveries complicated by PA between 2009 and 2022 were included. Placental histopathology, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes were compared between cases of PA with vs. without supporting sonographic findings. A composite of severe neonatal morbidity was compared between the groups, including ≥1 of the following: seizures, intraventricular hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, periventricular leukomalacia, respiratory-distress syndrome, sepsis, anemia, blood transfusion or death. RESULTS: Of the 420 cases with PA eligible for the study, 50 patients (12 %) were in the PA with sonographic features group and 370 (88 %) were in the PA without sonographic features group. The PA with sonographic features group was characterized by significantly higher rates of prematurity (p < 0.001), severe composite adverse neonatal outcome (p < 0.01), and a composite maternal vascular malperfusion lesions in placental histopathology (p = 0.001) In multivariable regression analyses, preterm birth was independently associated with the presence of sonographic features (aOR = 8.79, 95 % CI 2.41-31.93, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: PA with supporting sonographic features is associated with higher rates of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes and placental lesions. These findings emphasize the importance of sonographic evaluation for every case of PA before deciding upon management.

Placental Histopathological Lesions and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases- A retrospective Cohort Study.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are significantly associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, though the pathomechanism is yet unknown. To investigate the relationship between IBD and adverse pregnancy outcomes by comparing neonatal outcomes and placental histopathology in two matched groups of patients with and without IBD. In this retrospective study, data of all patients who gave birth between 2008-2021 and were diagnosed with IBD were reviewed and compared to a control group matching two control cases for every IBD case. Neonatal outcomes and placental pathology were compared between the groups. Compared to the control group (n=76), the placentas of patients with IBD (n=36) were characterized by significantly lower placental weight (p < 0.001), and higher rates of maternal vascular malperfusion lesions (MVM, p < 0.001) and maternal and fetal inflammatory response lesions (p < 0.001). Neonates of patients with IBD were more frequently small for gestational age (SGA) (p=0.01), with increased rates of need for phototherapy (p = 0.03), respiratory morbidity and NICU admission (p < 0.001 for both outcomes). Multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusting for possible confounders (including maternal age, gestational age, chronic hypertension, smoking, and thrombophilia) confirmed the independent association between IBD and composite MVM lesions (aOR 4.31, p < 0.001), maternal inflammatory responses (aOR 40.22, p < 0.001) and SGA infants (aOR 4.31, p = 0.013). IBD is associated with increased rates of placental histopathological lesions and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including SGA infants. These novel findings imply the role of placental malperfusion and inflammatory processes in pregnancy complications of IBD patients, which should be followed accordingly. Approval of local ethics committee # WOMC-0219-20.

Improved neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with coexisting gestational diabetes and preeclampsia in normal birthweight neonates- insights from a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess neonatal and maternal outcomes in appropriate-for-gestational-weight (AGA) neonates of mothers with both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PET). METHODS: Medical records of women diagnosed with GDM or PET were reviewed. Women with AGA neonates were divided into three groups- GDM, PET, and GDM + PET and maternal neonatal and placental outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, including intensive care unit admission (NICU), neurological morbidity, hypoglycemia, ventilation, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), phototherapy, sepsis, blood transfusion, and neonatal death. Post-hoc analysis was performed to determine between-group significance. RESULTS: Composite adverse neonatal outcomes are significantly lower in women with multiple morbidities compared to women with confined PET (p = 0.015), and a similar trend is observed when comparing neonatal outcomes between women with GDM to those with GDM + PET, yet these results are underpowered (18.9 % vs. 12.8 % respectively, p = 0.243). Placentas of women with GDM + PET were larger, with a lower rate of placentas below the 10th percentile as compared to placentas of women with isolated PET (p < 0.001), but with similar rates of MVM lesions. DISCUSSION: While maternal and placental outcomes in patients of the GDM + PET group resemble the characteristics of the PET group, surprisingly, the neonatal outcomes in this group are significantly better compared to isolated morbidities. The paradoxical benefit attributed to the coexistence of GDM + PET may be explained by a balance of the opposing trends characterizing these morbidities-the reduced blood and nutrient supply characterizing PET vs. chronic overflow and abundance typical of GDM. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: approval of local ethics committee WOMC-19-0152.

Placental pathology in pregnancies with late fetal growth restriction and abnormal cerebroplacental ratio.

INTRODUCTION: Late fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with mild growth restriction and normal or mild abnormal doppler flows. The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) has been demonstrated as more sensitive to hypoxia than its individual components in these fetuses. We hypothesized that abnormal CPR in late FGR is reflected in specific placental vascular malperfusion lesions. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of late FGR newborns between 2012 and 2022 in a tertiary hospital. Overall, 361 cases were included: 104 with pathological CPR (study group), and 257 with normal doppler flows (control group). The primary outcome was a composite of maternal vascular malperfusion lesions (MVM) and fetal vascular malperfusion lesions (FVM). Secondary outcomes were macroscopic placental characteristics and various obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: The study group had lower birthweight compared with the normal CPR group (2063.5 ± 470.5 vs. 2351.6 ± 387.4 g. P < 0.0001), higher rates of composite adverse neonatal outcomes (34.2% vs. 22.5%, p < 0.0001), lower mean placental weight (318 ± 71.6 vs. 356.6 ± 76.5 g, p < 0.0001), as well as a higher prevalence of Vascular lesions of MVM (15.3% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.002), villous lesions of FVM (37.5% vs. 24.9%, p = 0.02), and composite FVM lesions (36.5% vs. 25.6%, p = 0.04). On multivariate regression analysis for MVM lesions and composite FVM lesions, abnormal CPR was found as an independent risk factor (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.63-4.19, and aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09-3.97, respectively). DISCUSSIONS: Abnormal CPR in late FGR is reflected in placental histopathologic vascular malperfusion lesions, and the incidence of these lesions is higher than in FGR placentas with normal CPR.

Histologic Chorioamnionitis in Pregnancies Complicated by Preeclampsia and the Effect on Neonatal Outcomes.

Histological chorioamnionitis (HC) is a common placental finding that represents acute/chronic inflammation and can affect neonatal outcomes. We aimed to examine the effect of HC on neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. All pregnancies with the diagnosis of preeclampsia at 24-42 weeks between 2008 and 2019 were reviewed. Placental lesions were classified according to the "Amsterdam" criteria. Composite adverse neonatal outcome included ≥1 early complication. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between cases with and without HC. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent associations with adverse neonatal outcome. Compared to preeclampsia without HC (n=517), preeclampsia with HC (n=55) was characterized by a more advanced gestational age (p<0.001) and a higher rate of nulliparity (p=0.02). Diabetes was more prevalent in preeclampsia without HC (p=0.039) as was a history of previous preeclampsia (p=0.048). Neonates in the preeclampsia with HC group had higher rates of adverse neonatal outcome (p<0.001) and Apgar scores <7 at 5 min (p=0.034) despite a higher birthweight (p=0.005). Preeclampsia without HC was associated with smaller placentas and a higher rate of placental maternal vascular malperfusion lesions (p=0.014 and p<0.001 respectively). By multivariate analysis, gestational age and HC were independently associated with adverse neonatal outcome (aOR 0.88 95% CI 0.76-0.96, and aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11-3.09, respectively). In preeclampsia, concomitant HC was associated with adverse neonatal outcome despite a more advanced gestational age and higher neonatal birthweight. This inflammatory mechanism probably plays a role in a more severe subgroup of preeclampsia cases, causing an additional risk for the developing fetus.

Placental histology of acute versus continuous meconium exposure - Association with obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes of deliveries complicated by meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), according to placental histology of continuous vs. acute meconium associated changes. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton deliveries complicated by MSAF at a single university-affiliated medical center during 2008-2018. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between cases with placental acute vs. continuous meconium exposure associated changes (columnar epithelial changes and meconium-laden macrophages, respectively). Regression analysis was used to identify independent associations with adverse neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: The medical records of 294 deliveries at our institution were reviewed, along with medical records of the neonates and the histopathological reports of their placentas. Ninety-two cases were classified as an acute placental reaction to meconium (acute exposure group) and 200 as continuous placental exposure (continuous exposure group). Patient demographics did not differ between groups. Placentas from the continuous exposure to meconium were associated with a higher rate of placental weight <10th percentile (p = 0.03) while the acute exposure group was associated with a shorter time between rupture of membranes and delivery (p = 0.02). and higher rates of non-reassuring fetal heart rate in labor (p = 0.003), and of adverse neonatal outcome (p = 0.02). In multivariable analysis adverse neonatal outcome was associated with acute histologic exposure to meconium independent of background confounders (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.12-3.67). CONCLUSIONS: Acute histological changes of MSAF were independently associated with adverse neonatal outcomes as compared to continuous histologic MSAF.

MiRNA-124a: a Potential Biomarker for Neurological Deficits Following Cardiac Surgery in Pediatric Patients.

Brain injury is a major source of patient morbidity after cardiac surgery in children. New early accurate biomarkers are needed for the diagnosis of patients at risk for cerebral postoperative damage. Specific circulating miRNAs have been found as suitable biomarkers for many diseases. We tested whether miRNA-124a reflects neurological injury in pediatric patients following heart surgery. Serum samples were obtained from 34 patients before and six hours after heart surgery. MiRNAs-124a was quantified by RQ-PCR. MiRNA-124a levels six hours after heart surgery correlated with the neurological outcome of the patients. In children with neurological deficits, miRNA-124a levels increased while in those with no neurological deficits the levels decreased. MiRNA-124a was able, at six hours after the operation, to identify patients who are at risk for the appearance of neurological deficits. Circulating miRNA-124a is a potential biomarker for the appearance of neurological deficits in pediatric patients following heart surgery. Graphical Abstract.

Longitudinal diastolic strain slope as an early sign for systolic dysfunction among patients with active cancer.

BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction is a common finding in patients receiving cancer therapy. This study evaluated the correlation of diastolic strain slope (Dss) with routine echocardiography diastolic parameters and its role in early detection of systolic dysfunction and cardiovascular (CV) mortality within this population. METHODS: Data were collected from the Israel Cardio-Oncology Registry (ICOR), a prospective registry enrolling adult patient receiving cancer therapy. All patients performed at least three echocardiography exams (T1, T2, T3), including left ventricle Global Longitudinal Strain (LV GLS) and Dss. Systolic dysfunction was determined by either LV GLS relative reduction of ≥ 15% or LV ejection fraction reduction > 10% to < 53%. Dss was assessed as the early lengthening rate, measured by the diastolic slope (delta%/sec). RESULTS: Among 144 patients, 114 (79.2%) were female with a mean age of 57.31 ± 14.3 years. Dss was significantly correlated with e' average. Mid segment Dss change between T1 and T2 showed significant association to systolic dysfunction development (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.04 [1.01,1.06]. p = 0.036). In multivariate prediction, Dss increase was a significant predictor for the development of systolic dysfunction (OR = 1.06 [1.03,1.1], P < 0.001).An 8% increase in Dss between T1 and T2 was associated with a trend in increased CV mortality (HR = 3.4 [0.77,15.4], p = 0.085). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to use the novel measurement of Dss in patients treated with cancer therapies and to show significant correlation between routine diastolic dysfunction parameters and Dss. Changes in the mid segment were found to have significant independent early predictive value for systolic dysfunction development in univariate and multivariate analyses.

The association of reduced global longitudinal strain with cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction among patients receiving cancer therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiotoxicity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients receiving cancer therapy. The most commonly used definition is cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction reduction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been implied to be superior in detecting early subclinical dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the prevalence of reduced GLS and whether it is associated with CTRCD development among patients receiving cancer therapy. METHODS: Data were collected as part of the Israel Cardio-Oncology Registry (ICOR), a prospective registry enrolling all adult patients receiving different types of cancer therapy, who were referred to the cardio-oncology clinic. Patients were divided into two groups-reduced GLS (> - 17%) vs. preserved GLS (≤ - 17%). Multivariable analyses were adjusted for a propensity score for baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Among 291 consecutive patients, 48 (16%) patients were included in the reduced GLS group. Overall, 11 (5%) patients developed CTRCD at following echocardiogram evaluation. Patients with preserved GLS had a significantly lower risk for CTRCD development [odds ratio (OR) 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-0.41, p = 0.001], with every 1-unit improvement of GLS the risk of CTRCD decreased by 16% (OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.73-0.95, p = 0.007). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, including cardiovascular risk factors and systolic function, preserved GLS remained significantly associated with a lower risk for CTRCD development (OR 0.11, 95%CI 0.02-0.64, p = 0.014), with every 1-unit improvement lowering the risk by 19% (OR 0.81, 95%CI 0.67-0.98, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced GLS is common among patients receiving cancer therapy and may identify patients at increased risk for CTRCD development.