COVID-19 epidemic in Panama.

Objective: It is necessary to establish the evolution that the pandemic has had in Panama by weeks and months and to clearly establish the existence of surges or peaks, according to cases and deaths and the relationship with age groups. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all confirmed COVID-19 cases reported by the Ministry of Health of Panama during the first 3 years of the epidemic (March 9, 2020, March 11, 2023). All cases were obtained from information provided by the Ministry of Health. We obtained daily information of the population at the national level reported as new cases, deaths, admission to hospitals, admission to intensive care units and by age groups. The information is classified by epidemiological week and by month from the diagnosis of the first case until March 2023. Results: During the three years of the study, 1,032,316 cases of COVID-19 were registered in the Republic of Panama, and the number of deaths reported was 8,621, for a fatality rate of 0.83 % throughout that period. The number of deaths decreased over the 3 years of the pandemic; however, similar to the cases, there were periods of surges (peaks) per year in June/July and in December/January. The lethality progressively increased according to the age of the affected patients. During the first year, the lethality in those under 20 years of age was 0.05 %, and in those over 80 years old, it was 17.54 %. This pattern was maintained during the second year; however, there was a large decrease in all age groups. Conclusion: the highest lethality rate in Panama occurred in the first year of the pandemic, with a great decrease in the third year; the impact of lethality is proportional to the age of the individual, with a high possibility of death in those over 80 years of age. During each pandemic year, there are two peaks (surges of new cases and deaths) per year, which are important times to take into account to generate strategies aimed at reducing the impact.

Preeclampsia: Narrative review for clinical use.

Aim: Preeclampsia is a very complex multisystem disorder characterized by mild to severe hypertension. Methods: PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 2002 to March 31, 2022, with the search terms "pre-eclampsia" and "hypertensive disorders in pregnancy". We also look for guidelines from international societies and clinical specialty colleges and we focused on publications made after 2015. Results: The primary issue associated with this physiopathology is a reduction in utero-placental perfusion and ischemia. Preeclampsia has a multifactorial genesis, its focus in prevention consists of the identification of high and moderate-risk clinical factors. The clinical manifestations of preeclampsia vary from asymptomatic to fatal complications for both the fetus and the mother. In severe cases, the mother may present renal, neurological, hepatic, or vascular disease. The main prevention strategy is the use of aspirin at low doses, started from the beginning to the end of the second trimester and maintained until the end of pregnancy. Conclusion: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder; we do not know how to predict it accurately. Acetylsalicylic acid at low doses to prevent a low percentage, especially in patients with far from term preeclampsia. There is evidence that exercising for at least 140 min per week reduces gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Currently, the safest approach is the termination of pregnancy. It is necessary to improve the prediction and prevention of preeclampsia, in addition, better research is needed in the long-term postpartum follow-up.

Monkeypox and pregnancy.

In May 2022, the World Health Organization reported an emerging global outbreak of monkeypox virus infection. Clinical manifestations of monkeypox allow us to quickly suspect the disease. Until now, no pregnant women infected with this virus have been reported; however, because of its speed of spread worldwide, it is possible that we will soon observe such cases. Thus, it is necessary for obstetrician-gynecologists to know the disease, its clinical manifestations, and the experiences reported in the few previous cases in pregnant women.

Conservative management of early-onset severe preeclampsia: comparison between randomized and observational studies a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes between randomized trials and observational studies in which conservative management was performed for more than 48 h in patients with early-onset severe preeclampsia. METHODOLOGY: We searched PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane and Google Scholar. The studies were divided in two groups: randomized and observational studies, from 1990 to 2018 that included patients with severe preeclampsia before 34 weeks of gestation with pregnancy prolongation ≥48 h but that did not include fetal growth restriction or HELLP syndrome at the beginning. The main variables recorded were maternal and perinatal complications. MAIN RESULTS: Forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, and 5 of these were randomized. The average pregnancy prolongation was 9 days, with no difference between groups. Maternal complications were significantly more common in observational studies, RR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.54-0.93), p = .009. Perinatal complications were also significantly more common in observational studies (RR = 0.89, 95% CI (0.80-0.98), p = .01) at the expense of stillbirth and neonatal deaths. The percentages of cesarean sections were significantly higher in randomized studies, RR = 1.54, 95% CI (1.46-1.64). There were 2 maternal deaths, both in observational studies. CONCLUSION: Observational studies in which conservative management of early-onset preeclampsia is performed and do not include patients with fetal growth restriction or patients with HELLP syndrome and where at least 2 days of pregnancy prolongation is achieved are associated with significantly more maternal and perinatal complications.

Perinatal transmission with SARS-CoV-2 and route of pregnancy termination: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze newborns diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 performed with RT-PCR at birth or during the first days of birth and to look for an association with the route of birth. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search for newborns diagnosed with COVID-19 using PubMed, LILACS and Google scholar until May 15, 2020, looking for published articles with pregnancy, vertical transmission, intrauterine transmission, neonates, delivery. RESULTS: There were found 10 articles with a total of 15 newborn infected with SARS-CoV-2 according to positive PCR at birth or in the first days of birth. Eleven newborn birth by cesarean section and 4 vaginally. Of the 11 cases with cesarean section, two presented premature rupture of the membranes. Seven newborns developed pneumonia, of which two had ruptured membranes and one was born by vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION: This review shows that there is perinatal or neonatal infection with SARS-CoV-2 by finding a positive PCR in the first days of birth. In addition, that there is more possibility of neonatal infection if the birth is vaginal or if there is premature rupture of the membranes before cesarean section. Vaginal delivery and premature rupture of membranes should be considered as risk factors for perinatal infection.

COVID 19 and high pregnancy and perinatal complications in Panama.

OBJECTIVES: To report the maternal and neonatal results of patients infected with COVID-19 in Panama. METHODS: The study is based on the analysis of pregnant women with COVID-19, in five hospitals in the Republic of Panama. The inclusion criteria were: patients with or without symptoms, positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in the period from March 23 to 6 months after, whose births were attended in one of those five hospitals and who signed the consent. Data were obtained at the time of diagnosis of the infection and at the time of termination of pregnancy for the mother and newborn. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. Most were diagnosed in the third trimester (89.3%). 10.3% of the patients presented in a severe form of COVID-19. The most frequent complication was pre-eclampsia and if we add gestational hypertension they represent 21.2%; most of the patients terminated the pregnancy by cesarean section (58%). 26.9% (95% CI 21.3-32.9%) of the births were premature, and perinatal mortality was 5.4% (95% CI 3.0-9.0%). There was a need for mechanical ventilation in 5.9% (95% CI 3.6-9.6%) of the cohort and there were four maternal deaths (1.6% - 95% CI 0.6-4.0%). CONCLUSIONS: This study of pregnant women infected with COVID-19 and diagnosed with RT-PCR shows serious maternal complications such as high admission to the ICU, need for mechanical ventilation and one death in every 64 infected. Frequent obstetric complications such as hypertension, premature rupture of membranes, high rate of prematurity, and perinatal lethality were also seen.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detected in placentas of 2 coronavirus disease 2019-positive asymptomatic pregnant women-case report.

There is limited evidence regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in the placenta of pregnant women who tested positive, and if this could be a route for vertical transmission of the virus in utero. We present the cases of 2 pregnant women in their third trimester who were admitted for delivery by cesarean delivery and who, through universal screening, tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019. The maternal and fetal sides of the placenta were sectioned from both patients for viral analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of the placental-extracted RNA revealed a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection on the fetal side of the placenta in both patients. The virus was isolated from the patient with the lowest cycle threshold value on the fetal side of the placenta. Whole genome sequencing showed that the virus detected in this placenta was from the B1 lineage. Immunohistochemical analysis of the placental tissue detected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the endothelial cells of chorionic villi vessels proximal to both the maternal and fetal sides, with a granular cytoplasmic pattern and perinuclear reinforcement. Histologic examination of the placenta also detected a dense infiltrate of lymphoid cells around decidual vessels and endothelial cells with cytopathic changes, especially on the maternal side. Nasopharyngeal swabs from the infants that were subjected to reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing were negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at 24 hours after birth. A follow-up analysis of the infants for immunoglobin G and immunoglobin M expression, clinical manifestations, and long-term developmental abnormalities is recommended.

Blood Pressure Changes in Adolescents with Preeclampsia: A Multicentre, Case-Control Study in Latin American Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the minimum blood pressure increases that would confirm or exclude, with the greatest predictive values, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in pregnant adolescents after 24 weeks gestation. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of pregnant women aged ≤19 years with and without HDP. Using systolic and diastolic blood pressure increases, a predictive analysis was performed, and the area under the curve was calculated. RESULTS: The cases and controls had systolic blood pressure increases of 45.3 ± 17.5 mm Hg and 6.4 ± 7.9 mm Hg, respectively (P = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure increases of 30.8 ± 11.7 mm Hg and 3.5 ± 5.7 mm Hg, respectively (P = 0.001). Systolic and diastolic increases of ≥20 mm Hg showed the greatest sensitivity and specificity. A combined analysis showed that an increase of ≥20 mm Hg had a greater positive likelihood ratio of 35.4 (95% CI 22.4-55.9) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.10 (95% CI 0.07-0.13), with an area under the curve of 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increases of ≥20 mm Hg must be considered in the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia and gestational hypertension among pregnant adolescents past 24 weeks gestation.

Características clínicas de gestantes en trabajo de parto con infección SARSCoV-2 en la altura: serie de casos / Clinical characteristics of pregnant women in labor with SARS-CoV-2 infection at high altitude: A case series

Resumen Introducción. A gran altitud, se ha observado menos casos y menos letalidad de COVID-19 en comparación con cifras reportadas a nivel del mar. Actualmente no hay publicaciones que informen el comportamiento clínico de COVID-19 en mujeres embarazadas adaptadas a la altura e hipoxia crónica en el Perú. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo mediante revisión de historias clínicas del 6 de marzo de 2020 al 15 de junio de 2020. Se describe los primeros trece casos de gestantes con COVID-19 atendidos en el Hospital COVID-19 Simón Bolívar, ubicado a 2 750 msnm. Los casos procedían de altitudes entre 2 035 msnm y 3 502 msnm. El análisis estadístico se realizó con SPSS, versión 19.0. Resultados. Trece casos de gestantes con COVID-19 confirmado por IGM para SARS-CoV-2, fueron tratadas a 2 750 msnm (9 022,31 pies), en los Andes peruanos. El parto fue por cesárea en ocho casos (61,5%) y por vía vaginal en cinco (38,5%). Hubo dos casos (15,4%) de preeclampsia, uno de ellos diagnosticado como síndrome HELLP, prematuridad y muerte fetal. Tres casos (23,1%) desarrollaron hipotonía uterina posparto y requirieron sutura de Hayman o B-Lynch. Dos casos (15,4%) se complicaron con oligohidramnios y otros dos casos con infección urinaria. Los niveles de hemoglobina variaron entre 11,1 y 16 g/dL. Solo un caso (7,7%) presentó sintomatología, con dolor faríngeo leve. No se observó transmisión vertical detectada por IgM/IgG para SARS-CoV-2. La evolución clínica fue favorable en los trece casos y el alta fue a los 2 a 4 días, para continuar la cuarentena en domicilio. Conclusiones. En el presente estudio preliminar, las gestantes en trabajo de parto con COVID-19 por prueba rápida IgM para SARS-CoV-2 en la altura fueron generalmente asintomáticas; no hubo transmisión vertical. Se presentó alto porcentaje de otras complicaciones obstétricas.

Abstract Introduction: Fewer COVID-19 cases and less lethality have been observed at high altitude compared to cases reported at sea level. There are currently no publications reporting clinical behavior of pregnant women with COVID-19 at high altitude. Methods: This is a retrospective study with review of medical records between March 6, 2020 and June 15, 2020. The first thirteen cases of pregnant women with COVID-19 who were attended at Simón Bolívar COVID-19 Hospital, located at 2 750 meters above sea level, are described. The cases came from altitudes between 2 035 and 3 502 meters above sea level (masl). Statistical analysis used SPSS, version 19.0. Results: Thirteen cases of pregnant women with COVID-19 confirmed by IgM for SARS-CoV-2 were attended at 2 750 masl (9 022.31 feet) in the Peruvian Andes. Delivery by cesarean section occurred in eight cases (61.5%) and five (38.5%) delivered vaginally. There were two cases (15.4%) of preeclampsia, one with diagnosis of HELLP syndrome, prematurity and fetal death. Three cases (23.1%) developed uterine hypotonia that required Hayman or B-Lynch suture. Two cases (15.38%) were complicated with oligohydramnios and two with urinary infection. Hemoglobin levels were between 11.1 and 16 g/dL. Only one case (7.7%) was symptomatic, with mild pharyngeal pain. No vertical transmission was detected by IgM/IgG for SARS-CoV-2. Clinical evolution was favorable in the thirteen cases and they were discharged after 2 to 4 days hospitalization to continue home quarantine. Conclusions: Results in this short study show pregnant women in labor with COVID-19 by rapid IgM test for SARS-CoV-2 at high altitude were mostly asymptomatic; there was no vertical transmission, but high presence of other obstetrical complications.

COVID-19 y embarazo. Revisión y actualización / COVID-19 and pregnancy. Review and update / COVID-19 and pregnancy. Review and update

RESUMEN Objetivo . Buscar toda la información y evidencia disponible sobre el SARS-CoV-2 -que surgió en estos primeros 4 meses de 2020y el embarazo. Metodología . Revisión sistemática en las bases de datos PubMed y Google Scholar, hasta el 25 de abril de 2020. Se buscó artículos publicados relacionados con mujeres embarazadas infectadas con SARS-CoV-2. No hubo restricción de idioma. La búsqueda se extendió a las referencias de los artículos encontrados. Resultados . La enfermedad COVID-19 en mujeres embarazadas se caracteriza porque más del 90% de las pacientes evoluciona en forma leve, 2% requiere ingresar a las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Una muerte materna ha sido reportada. La prematuridad es alrededor de 25%, con predominio de recién nacidos prematuros tardíos; aproximadamente el 9% se complica con rotura prematura de membranas; la mortalidad perinatal es baja o similar a la de la población general y no se ha demostrado la transmisión vertical. Conclusiones . Los ginecólogos obstetras deben prepararse para atender cada vez más casos con COVID-19 y, por lo tanto, es necesario tener su conocimiento. La enfermedad evoluciona de la misma manera que en las no embarazadas, genera mayor prematuridad, no se ha demostrado la transmisión vertical, pero hay altas posibilidades de transmisión horizontal durante el parto vaginal.

ABSTRACT Objective : To search for all the information and available evidence on infection with SARS-CoV-2, a virus that appeared during the first 4 months of 2020, and pregnancy. Methods : Systematic review in PubMed and Google Scholar databases until April 25, 2020. We searched for published articles related to pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. There was no language restriction. The search was extended to the references of the articles found. Results : In pregnant women with COVID-19, more than 90% of patients evolve mildly, 2% require intensive care. One maternal death has been reported. Prematurity occurs in approximately 25% of the cases, with predominance of late preterm infants; premature rupture of membranes presents in about 9%. Perinatal mortality is lower or similar to that of the general population, and vertical transmission has not been shown. Conclusions : Obstetrician-gynecologists must prepare to attend more cases with COVID-19 and therefore they need to know this disease. COVID-19 progresses similarly in pregnant and non-pregnant women, although it is associated to prematurity. While vertical transmission has not been demonstrated, horizontal transmission during vaginal birth is very likely.

Dexamethasone in HELLP syndrome: experience in Bolivia.

Objective: To demonstrate the utility of dexamethasone, used according to the criteria of the attending physician, in patients with HELLP syndrome.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with HELLP syndrome and was based on the daily, real-life management of HELLP syndrome. Patients who received dexamethasone had it administered immediately after giving birth at a dosage of 8 mg every 8 hours for 72 hours, for a total of 72 mg. The analysis was conducted between patients who received corticosteroids and those who did not, with complete or partial HELLP.Results: There were 97 women who suffered complications from HELLP syndrome, there were 43 (44.3%) received dexamethasone. The groups were comparable except for the initial platelet count because this was the criterion used to divide the groups. In addition, the group without corticosteroids comprised more patients with partial HELLP. The platelet count shows that on the third day was similar in both groups, following a difference of more than 40,000 at the beginning of the study. The average platelet increase was 27,448 in the group without corticosteroids and 88,408 in the corticosteroid group; p = .001.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the administration of postpartum dexamethasone at a dosage of 8 mg every 8 hours for 72 hours in HELLP syndrome is associated with a significant increase in platelet count.

Antenatal corticosteroid therapy: Historical and scientific basis to improve preterm birth management.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to describe the historical and scientific basis of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) therapy, to improve the management of preterm birth and decreasing rates of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis and perinatal mortality in premature infants. STUDY DESIGN: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed electronic database, the Cochrane Library, using medical subheading search words such as "ACS", "corticosteroids", "betamethasone" or "dexamethasone", matching with "preterm birth". RESULTS: This practice was initiated by Liggins and Howie in 1972 and is supported by the initial comprehensive meta-analysis of Crowley, Chambers and Keirse, in 1990, the NIH Consensus Development Conference in 1994, the second Consensus Conference to evaluate repeated courses of corticosteroids in 2000 and the practice recommendations of obstetric societies worldwide. ACS therapy before anticipated preterm birth is one of the most important antenatal therapies and an important evidence-based practice for reducing mortality, and decreasing rates of complications in premature infants. CONCLUSIONS: Today, there is no controversy that women with preterm birth <34 weeks should be ACS treated. Actually, rescue courses are recommended; while multiple, serial, repeated or weekly courses, are not recommended. In any clinical conditions, as preterm premature rupture of membranes, multiple pregnancies, severe preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome and fetal growth restriction; ACS is recommended.

Enfermedad cerebrovascular hemorrágica en la eclampsia asociada al síndrome HELLP / Stroke in HELLP syndrome-associated eclampsia

Introduction: Eclampsia (E) and HELLP syndrome (H) are two complications of preeclampsia that increase maternal morbidity and mortality. The main complication and the main cause of death of this EH / HE association is the hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease (HCD). Objectives: To determine differences between women with EH / HE who presented HCD and those who did not. To define the types of HCD in women with EH / HE. Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Patients: Cases of EH / HE at the Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca, Peru, 2015. Interventions: Patients with EH / HE were divided into two groups: those without HCD and those with HCD. SPSS 20.0 was used. The comparison of groups was done with Mann Whitney U and chi square tests. Significant differences were when p <0.05. Results: There were 23 women with EH / HE: 18 (78.3%) without HCD and 5 (21.7%) with HCD. We compared women with EH / HE who had HCD and those who did not. HCD had OR = 4.44 (95% CI 1.19-16.55) p = 0.043 for risk of death, and platelets less than 30 000 had OR = 4.44 (95% CI 1.19-16,55) with p = 0.043 risk for HCD. In addition, the stay in ICU was longer in those with HCD than without HCD. Mortality was 60%; 80% of the HCD had ventricular compromise. There was 66.7% of the patients presented subarachnoid hemorrhage and 66.7%, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). In IVH, 100% had lobar compromise of which 66.7% had occipital compromise. Conclusions: Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease in women with HELLP syndrome associated with eclampsia is related to lower platelet levels; this increases the risk of death and prolongs stay in the intensive care unit.

Introducción. La eclampsia (E) y el síndrome HELLP (H) son dos complicaciones de la preeclampsia que, asociadas, pueden aumentar la morbimortalidad materna. La principal complicación y la causa principal de muerte de esta asociación EH/ HE es la enfermedad cerebrovascular hemorrágica (ECH). Objetivos. Determinar diferencias entre las mujeres con EH/HE que presentan ECH y las que no. Definir los tipos de ECH en mujeres con EH/HE. Diseño. Estudio transversal comparativo. Pacientes. Casos de EH/HE en el Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca, Perú, 2015. Intervenciones. Se dividió las pacientes con EH/HE en dos grupos: sin ECH y con ECH. Se utilizó el software SPSS 20.0. La comparación de los grupos se realizó con la U de Mann Whitney y chi cuadrado. Fueron diferencias significativas cuando p< 0,05. Resultados. Hubo 23 mujeres con EH/HE: 18 (78,3%) sin ECH y 5 (21,7%) con ECH. Comparamos las mujeres con EH/HE que tenían o no ECH. ECH tuvo OR 4,44 (IC95% 1,19 a 16,55) con p=0,043 de riesgo de muerte, y las plaquetas menores de 30 000 tuvieron OR 4,44 (IC95% 1,19 a 6,55) con p=0,043 de riesgo de ECH. Además, la permanencia en UCI fue mayor que en las que no tuvieron ECH. La mortalidad fue 60%. El 80% de las ECH mostró compromiso ventricular. Hubo 66,7% de hemorragia subaracnoidea y 66,7% de hemorragia intraventricular (HIC). En las HIC, el 100% tuvo compromiso lobar, de las cuales 66,7% mostró compromiso occipital. Conclusiones. La ECH en mujeres con síndrome HELLP asociado a eclampsia estuvo relacionado a valores más bajos de plaquetas y aumentó el riesgo de muerte y estancia en cuidados intensivos.

Eclampsia y síndrome HELLP en los Andes del Perú: complicaciones perinatales / Eclampsia and HELLP syndrome in the Peruvian Andes: perinatal complications

Resumen OBJETIVO: Comparar las complicaciones perinatales en pacientes con eclampsia, síndrome HELLP y su asociación. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal y comparativo efectuado en mujeres con eclampsia, síndrome HELLP, o ambos, y sus neonatos atendidas en el Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca, Perú, entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2015. La información se procesó con el programa Epi Info versión 7. Se usó la ANOVA y χ2 no paramétrica con Kruskal-Wallis para comparar grupos, y se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se registraron 3411 nacimientos; 71 pacientes tuvieron eclampsia o síndrome HELLP. Las complicaciones perinatales de prematurez, menor peso y talla al nacer y Apgar más bajo fueron significativamente mayores en mujeres con síndrome HELLP que con eclampsia. En cuanto a prematurez hubo 30 (66.6%) casos de madres con síndrome HELLP, 14 (70%) con eclampsia asociada con síndrome HELLP y ninguno con eclampsia (p = 0.01). El peso promedio al nacimiento fue 2133.5 ± 66.7 g en síndrome HELLP y 3083.1 ± 67.8 g en eclampsia (p = 0.001). Hubo Apgar más bajo al minuto y a los cinco minutos en la combinación eclampsia y síndrome HELLP que en solo eclampsia (p = 0.002). No hubo diferencias significativas en la mortalidad, restricción del crecimiento fetal, asfixia neonatal, taquipnea transitoria, enfermedad de membranas hialinas, enterocolitis necrotizante, policitemia, ictericia patológica o sepsis. La tasa de cesáreas en síndrome HELLP fue 41 (91.1%) y en eclampsia 4 (66.6%) (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONES: Las complicaciones perinatales son mayores pacientes con síndrome HELLP que con eclampsia.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: To compare perinatal complications in patients with eclampsia, HELLP syndrome and association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a cross-sectional, comparative study conducted in women with eclampsia and / or HELLP syndrome and their perinates in Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca , Peru. Data obtained from 01/01/2015 to 12/31/15. Information processing was carried out with the Epi Info program version 7. The ANOVA and non-parametric χ2 with Kruskal-Wallis were used to compare groups, and a value of P <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 71 women had eclampsia and / or HELLP syndrome of 3411 births. Perinatal complications such as prematurity, lower weight and height at birth and lower Apgar were significantly higher in HELLP syndrome than in eclampsia. Regarding prematurity, there were 30 (66.6%) in HELLP syndrome, 14 (70%) in eclampsia associated with HELLP syndrome and none in eclampsia (p = 0.01). Birth weight was 2133.5 ± 66.7 g in HELLP syndrome and 3083.1 ± 67.8 g in eclampsia (p = 0.001). Apgar was lower at minute and at 5 minutes in the combination eclampsia and HELLP syndrome than in eclampsia alone (p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in mortality, IUGR, neonatal asphyxia, transient tachypnea, hyaline membrane disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, polycythemia, pathological jaundice or sepsis. The rate of cesareans in HELLP syndrome was 41 (91.1%) and in eclampsia 4 (66.6%) (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal complications are greater in HELLP syndrome than in eclampsia.

Magnesium sulfate for 6 vs 24 hours post delivery in patients who received magnesium sulfate for less than 8 hours before birth: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To compare the benefits of magnesium sulfate for 24 h (h) postpartum versus 6 h postpartum in patients who received magnesium sulfate (Mg) for less than 8 h before birth. METHODS: A randomized, multicenter, open study was conducted between November 2013 and October 2016 in three teaching maternity hospitals in Panama. Pregnant women diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia or pre-eclampsia with severe features at more than 20 weeks gestation were invited to participate. They were randomized to the following groups in a 1:1 ratio: A- continue Mg for 24 h after birth (control group); and B- receive Mg for 6 h after birth (experimental group). The primary endpoint and variable was seizure (eclampsia) in the first 72 h postpartum. RESULTS: During the study period, 284 patients agreed to participate in the study; 143 were randomized to receive Mg for 24 h postpartum and 141 to receive Mg for 6 h postpartum. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the two groups studied. There was no eclampsia in the entire population; therefore, there was no significant difference in the primary variable. Two secondary variables showed a significant difference: time to onset of ambulation, which was 14 h shorter (p = 0.0001) in the group that received 6 h of postpartum Mg, and time to initiation of breastfeeding, which was 11 h earlier (p = 0.0001) in the group that received 6 h of postpartum Mg. There were not significant differences between the groups with respect to total complications or any particular complication. There were no cases of maternal death. CONCLUSION: Maintaining Mg for 6 h postpartum is equally effective in preventing eclampsia as receiving Mg for 24 h postpartum in patients with severe pre-eclampsia who receive less than 8 h of Mg treatment before birth. The onset of maternal ambulation and initiation of breastfeeding are faster in patients who only receive Mg for 6 h postpartum. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at clinical-trials.gov, number NCT02317146 . Date of registration: December 11, 2014. This study was registered at clinical trials after the beginning of recruitment of patients.

Blood pressure in adolescent patients with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare variables among adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study enrolled patients with severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia treated at an intensive care unit in Neiva, Colombia, between January 1 and November 30, 2014. Patients were stratified using age (younger than 20 years [adolescents] and aged at least 20 years [adults]) and patient variables were compared between groups. Maternal age, pregnancy duration at delivery, eclampsia, blood pressure, severe hypertension, maternal organ damage, HELLP syndrome, obstetric hemorrhage, laboratory findings, need for blood transfusion and fetal data were analyzed by group. RESULTS: There were 171 patients enrolled; 154 (90.1%) with severe pre-eclampsia and 17 (9.9%) with eclampsia. There were 46 (26.9%) adolescent patients and 125 (73.1%) adults, and 13 (28.3%) and 4 (3.2%) patients had eclampsia in the adolescent and adult groups, respectively (P=0.001). The systolic (P=0.081), diastolic (P=0.174), and mean (P=0.102) blood pressure did not differ significantly between the groups but were higher in the adult group. The incidence of severe hypertension was significantly higher among adult patients (P=0.037). CONCLUSION: The blood pressure used in defining pre-eclampsia and eclampsia should differ for adolescent patients in comparison with the rest of the population.

Injuria renal aguda en mujeres con síndrome HELLP / Acute renal injury in women with HELLP syndrome

Introducción. Las características de injuria renal aguda en mujeres con preeclampsia y síndrome HELLP no han sido descritas ampliamente, por lo que el interés fue determinarla en nuestra población hospitalaria. Diseño. Investigación descriptiva retrospectiva. Lugar. Hospital Regional de Caja marca, Perú. Pacientes. Mujeres con síndrome HELLP. Métodos. Se comparó mujeres con síndrome HELLP con y sin injuria renal aguda. Se usó las pruebas t student, chi cuadrado y Kaplan Meyer. Principales medidas de resultados. Desarrollo de injuria renal aguda. Resultados. Hubo 71 mujeres (2%) con síndrome HELLP en 3 411 partos; 54 (76%) no tuvieron injuria renal aguda y 17 (24%) sí la tuvieron (0,5% del total de partos). El estadio fue severo (2 y 3) en 94% en las mujeres con síndrome HELLP e injuria renal aguda, con plaquetas y hemoglobina más bajas, y mayor bilirrubina y hematuria que las que no tenían injuria renal (p<0,01). La sobrevida disminuyó a mayor severidad de la injuria renal. La etiología probable fue microangiopatía trombótica renal. La diuresis y la urea mejoraron con hemodiálisis (p<0,01) en 5,4 ± 3,38 sesiones por 173 ± 38 minutos promedio. La mortalidad fue 11,8% con injuria renal aguda y 5,6% sin ella, con letalidad de 0,67 fallecidas/1 00 días de hospitalización y 1,32 fallecidas/1 00 días en cuidados intensivos. Conclusiones. La injuria renal aguda en el síndrome HELLP es una complicación severa y se asocia a menores niveles de plaquetas y hemoglobina y mayores valores de bilirrubina y hematuria.

Introduction: Acute renal injury characteristics in women with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome have not been thoroughly described; hence, the interest to determine it in our hospital population. Design: Retrospective descriptive study. Setting: Hospital Regional de Cajamarca, Peru. Participants: Women with HELLP syndrome. Methods: Women with HELLP syndrome with and without acute renal injury were compared. T-student test and U Mann-Whitney test for independent samples were used to compare medians. Main outcome measures: Development of acute renal injury. Results: There were 71 women (2%) with HELLP syndrome in 3 411 deliveries; 54 (76%) did not present acute renal injury and 17 (24%) did (0.5% of all deliveries). The stage was severe (2 and 3) in 94% of women with HELLP syndrome and acute renal injury, and these patients showed lower platelets and hemoglobin, and higher bilirrubin and hematuria than women without acute renal injury (p<0.01). The probable etiology was renal thrombotic microangiopathy. Diuresis and urea levels improved with hemodialysis (p<0.01) in 5.4 ± 3.38 sessions lasting 173 ± 38 minutes in average. Mortality was 11.8% with acute renal injury and 5.6% without it. Lethality was 0.67 per 100 hospitalization days and 1.32 per 100 days in ICU. Conclusions: Acute renal injury in the HELLP syndrome is asevere complication and is associated with lower platelets and hemoglobin, and higher bilirrubin levels and hematuria.

Ibuprofen versus acetaminophen as a post-partum analgesic for women with severe pre-eclampsia: randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare differences in blood pressure levels between patients with severe post-partum pre-eclampsia using ibuprofen or acetaminophen. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was made in women with severe pre-eclampsia or superimposed pre-eclampsia after vaginal birth. The patient was randomly selected to receive either 400 mg of ibuprofen every 8 h or 1 g of acetaminophen every 6 h during the post-partum. The primary variable was systolic hypertension ≥150 mmHg and/or diastolic hypertension ≥100 mmHg after the first 24 h post-partum. Secondary variables were the arterial blood pressure readings at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-partum and maternal complications. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were studied: 56 in the acetaminophen group and 57 in the ibuprofen group. With regard to the primary outcome, more cases were significantly hypertensive in the ibuprofen group (36/57; 63.1%) than in the acetaminophen group (16/56; 28.6%). Severe hypertension (≥160/110 mmHg) was not significantly different between the groups, 14.5% (acetaminophen) and 24.5% (ibuprofen). The levels of arterial blood pressure show a hammock-shaped curve independent of the drug used, however, is more noticeable with ibuprofen. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that ibuprofen significantly elevates blood pressure in women with severe pre-eclampsia during the post-partum period.