Lower-dose corticosteroid therapy in severe immune thrombocytopenia during pregnancy: The comparable efficacy and lower incidence of maternal complications.

Background: This study assessed the clinical efficacy of oral prednisone at low dose (LD) versus the previous high-dose (HD) study in patients with severe immune thrombocytopenia during pregnancy and its side effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Study design: Pregnant patients with ITP were enrolled in the study (platelet count <30×109/L) between January 2015 and 2019. A total of 43 patients received LD oral prednisone (0.25-0.5 mg/kg) as the initial treatment and were compared retrospectively with the 31 patients in the HD (1 mg/kg) study. The primary clinical endpoint was the response rate, and the secondary endpoint was maternal hemorrhagic events, complications, and neonatal outcomes. Results: In total, 35% of patients responded (15/43) to the LD cortico-therapy, including four patients with a complete response which was no less than HD therapy (35.5%). The bleeding symptoms of 10 (30%) patients were ameliorated after 14 days of LD prednisone treatment. Preeclampsia occurred in three cases (7% of total) of which the incidence was obviously lower than that of the previous study at HD (18%). No stillbirth or miscarriage occurred in the LD group, and neonatal outcomes had no significant differences between the two studies. Conclusion: LD prednisone therapy for severe ITP patients during pregnancy had equal efficacy to HD treatment. In addition, the decrease in dosage significantly reduced the incidence of hypertension.

Thrombocytopenia in the first trimester predicts adverse pregnancy outcomes in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome.

Background: Thrombocytopenia is a common manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and is a main concern for bleeding on the standard treatment of low dose aspirin (LDA) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in obstetric APS (OAPS). Objective: This study assesses the possible relationship between thrombocytopenia during the first trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) in OAPS patients. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China. The clinical, immunologic, and pregnancy outcomes of the OAPS patients were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to assess the relationship between APOs and thrombocytopenia in the first trimester. Results: A total of 115 participants were included in the analysis. There were no difference on antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage between the two groups. The gestational age in the thrombocytopenia group was less than that in the control group (34.12 ± 8.44 vs. 37.44 ± 3.81 weeks, p = 0.002). Hypocomplementemia, double aPL positive, and high titers of anti-ß2 glycoprotein I were more frequent in APS patients with thrombocytopenia (p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, thrombocytopenia in the first trimester was correlated with SGA (12.12% vs. 31.25%, p = 0.043), premature birth <37 weeks (16.16% vs 43.75%, p = 0.010) and intrauterine fetal death (2.02% vs 12.50%, p = 0.033). Thrombocytopenia in first-trimester independently increased the risk of preterm birth <37 weeks (OR = 5.40, 95% CI: 1.35-21.53, p = 0.02) after adjusting for demographic and laboratory factors. After adding medication adjustments, these factors above become insignificant (p > 0.05). Of note, the number of platelets increased after delivery in 14 thrombocytopenia patients with live fetuses (p = 0.03). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that thrombocytopenia in the first trimester increases the risks of preterm birth in women with APS. The effective OAPS treatments may improve pregnancy outcomes and not increase the risk of antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage.

Prednisone plus IVIg compared with prednisone or IVIg for immune thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: a national retrospective cohort study.

Background: The responses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or corticosteroids as the initial treatment on pregnancy with ITP were unsatisfactory. This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of prednisone plus IVIg versus prednisone or IVIg in pregnant patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Methods: Between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020, 970 pregnancies diagnosed with ITP at 19 collaborative centers in China were reviewed in this observational study. A total of 513 pregnancies (52.89%) received no intervention. Concerning the remaining pregnancies, 151 (33.04%) pregnancies received an initial treatment of prednisone plus IVIg, 105 (22.98%) pregnancies received IVIg alone, and 172 (37.64%) pregnancies only received prednisone. Results: Regarding the maternal response to the initial treatment, no differences were found among the three treatment groups (41.1% for prednisone plus IVIg, 33.1% for prednisone, and 38.1% for IVIg). However, a significant difference was observed in the time to response between the prednisone plus IVIg group (4.39 ± 2.54 days) and prednisone group (7.29 ± 5.01 days; p < 0.001), and between the IVIg group (6.71 ± 4.85 days) and prednisone group (p < 0.001). The median prednisone duration in the monotherapy group was 27 days (range, 8-195 days), whereas that in the combination group was 14 days (range, 6-85 days). No significant differences were found among these three treatment groups in neonatal outcomes, particularly concerning the neonatal platelet counts. The time to response in the combination treatment group was shorter than prednisone monotherapy. The duration of prednisone application in combination group was shorter than prednisone monotherapy. The combined therapy showed a lower predelivery platelet transfusion rate than IVIg alone. Conclusion: These findings suggest that prednisone plus IVIg may represent a potential combination therapy for pregnant patients with ITP.

Inclusion of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides in Perovskite Inks and Their Influence on Solar Cell Performance.

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have raised great interest in recent years due to their excellent optoelectronic properties, which promise stunning improvements in photovoltaic technologies. Moreover, two-dimensional layered materials such as graphene, its derivatives, and transition metal dichalcogenides have been extensively investigated for a wide range of electronic and optoelectronic applications and have recently shown a synergistic effect in combination with hybrid perovskite materials. Here, we report on the inclusion of liquid-phase exfoliated molybdenum disulfide nanosheets into different perovskite precursor solutions, exploring their influence on final device performance. We compared the effect of such additives upon the growth of diverse perovskites, namely CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) and triple-cation with mixed halides Csx (MA0.17FA0.83)(1-x)Pb (I0.83Br0.17)3 perovskite. We show how for the referential MAPbI3 materials the addition of the MoS2 additive leads to the formation of larger, highly crystalline grains, which result in a remarkable 15% relative improvement in power conversion efficiency. On the other hand, for the mixed cation-halide perovskite no improvements were observed, confirming that the nucleation process for the two materials is differently influenced by the presence of MoS2.

Risk factors for pregnancy morbidity in women with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) increases the risk of obstetric complications, but risk factors for pregnancy morbidity in women with APS remain incompletely characterized. This retrospective study included pregnant women with APS and a control group without APS admitted to Peking University People's Hospital between January 2013 and September 2019. Clinical data were extracted from medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (fetal loss, premature birth, fetal growth restriction [FGR], preeclampsia and neonatal death). We included 64 pregnancies in 59 patients with APS (age, 32.3 ± 4.3 years) and 256 pregnancies in 256 women without APS (age, 30.4 ± 3.3 years). Compared with the control group, the APS group had higher incidence rates of preeclampsia (10.9 % vs. 2.3 %, P = 0.002), premature rupture of membranes (17.2 % vs. 3.9 %, P < 0.001), postpartum hemorrhage (23.4 % vs. 4.3 %, P < 0.001), fetal loss (4.7 % vs. 0.8 %, P = 0.024) and premature delivery at ≤34 weeks (7.8 % vs. 2.3 %, P = 0.047). The incidence rates of hypertension during pregnancy, HELLP syndrome, gestational diabetes, oligohydramnios and FGR were similar in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that three or more prior spontaneous miscarriages (odds ratio [OR], 6.162; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.271-29.882; P = 0.024) and double-positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies (OR, 4.024; 95 %CI, 1.025-15.794; P = 0.046) were independently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. APS increases the risks of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes during pregnancy. Three or more spontaneous miscarriages and double-positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies are risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with APS.

Prediction of postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women with immune thrombocytopenia: Development and validation of the MONITOR model in a nationwide multicenter study.

Globally, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death. Women with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are at increased risk of developing PPH. Early identification of PPH helps to prevent adverse outcomes, but is underused because clinicians do not have a tool to predict PPH for women with ITP. We therefore conducted a nationwide multicenter retrospective study to develop and validate a prediction model of PPH in patients with ITP. We included 432 pregnant women (677 pregnancies) with primary ITP from 18 academic tertiary centers in China from January 2008 to August 2018. A total of 157 (23.2%) pregnancies experienced PPH. The derivation cohort included 450 pregnancies. For the validation cohort, we included 117 pregnancies in the temporal validation cohort and 110 pregnancies in the geographical validation cohort. We assessed 25 clinical parameters as candidate predictors and used multivariable logistic regression to develop our prediction model. The final model included seven variables and was named MONITOR (maternal complication, WHO bleeding score, antepartum platelet transfusion, placental abnormalities, platelet count, previous uterine surgery, and primiparity). We established an easy-to-use risk heatmap and risk score of PPH based on the seven risk factors. We externally validated this model using both a temporal validation cohort and a geographical validation cohort. The MONITOR model had an AUC of 0.868 (95% CI 0.828-0.909) in internal validation, 0.869 (95% CI 0.802-0.937) in the temporal validation, and 0.811 (95% CI 0.713-0.908) in the geographical validation. Calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between MONITOR-predicted probability and actual observation in both internal validation and external validation. Therefore, we developed and validated a very accurate prediction model for PPH. We hope that the model will contribute to more precise clinical care, decreased adverse outcomes, and better health care resource allocation.

Evaluation of glucocorticoid compared with immunoglobulin therapy of severe immune thrombocytopenia during pregnancy: Response rate and complication.

PROBLEM: Evaluate the response rate of glucocorticoid (GC) and/or immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy in severe thrombocytopenia of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) pregnant patients and the influence on maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHOD OF STUDY: This is a prospective observational cohort study. Pregnant ITP patients with platelet count less than 30 × 109 /L and their newborn infants participated in this research. Over a 3-year period, 87 patients were allocated to 4 groups: group 1 (n = 18) were treated by oral prednisone, group 2 (n = 20) with IVIg, group 3 (n = 22) with prednisone/methlyprednisone plus IVIg, and group 4 were non-treatment controls (n = 27). Diagnosis and therapy were based on guideline from the 2011 American Society of Hematology criteria, and the initial dose of prednisone was 1 mg/kg day. Their newborns were followed up to 1 year old. RESULTS: The response rate among patients who ever received prednisone therapy was 35.5% (11/31) overall, while the IVIg response rate was 55.9% (19/34). The incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension in GC therapy group was significantly higher than controls (22.2% and 13.6% vs 0%). There was no significant difference in neonatal outcomes in treatment groups in comparison with controls. The rate of Neonatal follow-up within 1 year old was 63%, and there is no evidence indicated intrauterine GC exposure influence the growth and development. CONCLUSION: GC therapy of 1 mg/kg for ITP patients during pregnancy is less efficiency than non-pregnant population and increases the incidence of hypertensive disorders. The use of lower starting doses of prednisone may be suggested for use in pregnancy.

Clinical features of new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in pregnant patients.

AIM: This study was conducted to examine the clinical characteristics of new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during pregnancy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all pregnancies in patients with SLE managed at The People's Hospital of Peking University from 2008 to 2015. In total, 97 pregnancies were identified and studied, 22 of which were first diagnosed with SLE during pregnancy or puerperium. RESULTS: New-onset SLE mainly occurred during the first and second pregnancy trimesters. Blood and multi-organ involvement were detected in 95.45% and 45.45% of new-onset patients, respectively, and both had a higher incidence than in active patients. Thrombocytopenia was the most common blood involvement in new-onset patients. All three maternal deaths occurred in new-onset patients. There were nine (40.91%) fetal losses, three (13.64%) low birth weight infants, one (4.54%) fetal malformation and two (9.09%) cases of neonatal lupus in new-onset patients. CONCLUSION: New-onset pregnant SLE patients were characterized with blood system involvement and generally experienced more adverse maternal outcomes than active patients with SLE history. However, adverse fetal outcomes in new-onset patients were the same as those of active patients with an SLE history.

Congenital hypofibrinogenemia in pregnancy: a report of 11 cases.

: To investigate the obstetrical outcomes and plasma concentrations of fibrinogen (FIB) in patients with congenital hypofibrinogenemia in pregnancy, 11 cases with hypofibrinogenemia in pregnancy were analyzed retrospectively. The demographic database, bleeding tendency, plasma levels of FIB throughout pregnancy, peripartum management, as well as, maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed. FIB levels in our patients remained relatively stable throughout the pregnancy. The mean FIB levels during the three trimesters of pregnancy were 75.7 ±â€Š43.9 (25-148), 67.6 ±â€Š33.7 (22-146), and 77.9 ±â€Š29.2 (32-148) mg/dl, respectively. Twelve full-term deliveries were achieved using FIB replacement therapy only on the group of labor or cesarean deliveries. The postpartum courses were unremarkable without hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications. Five out of twelve neonates were diagnosed with low levels of FIB in 6 weeks after birth. The pregnancies were uneventful with no signs of bleeding in these congenital hypofibrinogenemia women. Vaginal delivery, instead of cesarean section, may be the superior choice. Successful maternal and neonatal outcomes could be achieved by accurate monitoring of the FIB levels and adequate supportive therapy.

A Tough Nanocomposite Aerogel of Manganese Oxide and Polyaniline as an Electrode for a Supercapacitor.

A tough aerogel electrode of manganese oxide and polyaniline was prepared by in situ gelation, freeze-drying, and heat treatment on carbon cloth. The porous structure endows the final aerogel electrode with high electrochemical performance even at high current density and excellent cycling stability.

Clinical features and outcome of pregnancy with SLE-associated thrombocytopenia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the course of maternal diseases and compare pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated thrombocytopenia to patients without. METHODS: Medical charts of 77 pregnancies in 73 SLE patients were systematically reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of thrombocytopenia. Patients who are new onset SLE during pregnancy were also been studied. RESULT: Thrombocytopenia was found in 18 (23.3%) of the pregnancies. SLE patients with thrombocytopenia during pregnancy had higher percentage of disease flaring (11/18 versus 14/59, p = 0.003) and SLE-Pregnancy Disease Activity Index (7.89 ± 6.192 versus 2.41 ± 3.3.89, p = 0.001) compared to patients without. Also, patients with thrombocytopenia had a higher percentage of pulmonary, cardiac and multiple organ system involvement. There was a statistically significant difference in preeclampsia and early onset hypertensive disorder induced before 34 weeks as well as the rate of live birth less than 34 weeks (33.3% versus 6.8%, p = 0.003 & 38.9% versus 13.6%, p = 0.018 & 16.7% versus 1.7%, p = 0.038). Patients with thrombocytopenia suffered from higher rate of pregnancy loss (22.2% versus 3.4%, p = 0.024) and neonatal death (33.3% versus 1.7%, p = 0.000). In our study there were 17 patients with new-onset of SLE during pregnancy. The hematological system manifestation occurred in all of them and there was a significant increase in the incidence of thrombocytopenia (n = 12, 70.6%). CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopenia in SLE during pregnancy indicates higher disease activity, severe organ damage, early onset preeclampsia and higher pregnancy loss.

[Analysis of risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes in women with pancytopenia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pregnancy outcomes of women with pancytopenia and the risk factors for the adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS: A total of 106 pregnant women with pancytopenia were admitted to Peking University People's Hospital from Jan. 2005 to Sep. 2014. The clinical data and the pregnancy outcomes were reviewed retrospectively to investigate the risk factors for the adverse perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: (1 ) Eighty-four patients were found pancytopenia before pregnancy while 22 were found for the first time during pregnancy. Sixty-four patients were diagnosed as aplastic anemia; 30 as myelodysplastic syndrome; 2 as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria; 4 as hypersplenism, and 1 as anti-phospholipid syndrome. Diagnoses of the remaining 5 patients were uncertain. (2) Sixty-nine patients received at least one time blood transfusion before delivery. (3) As for the complications, nine women developed gestational diabetes; twenty-two suffered severe preeclampsia (SPE); two were diagnosed as anemic heart disease and three experienced respiratory tract infection. The postpartum blood loss ranged from 50 ml to 3 800 ml, with the median of 400 ml. And six women had the blood loss more than 1 000 ml. The gestational age at delivery ranged from 24 weeks to 40 weeks, with the median of 37.0 weeks. (4) Thirty-one patients suffered adverse perinatal outcomes, including 3 cases of intrauterine death, 4 therapeutic labor induction before 28 gestational weeks, 6 premature delivery before 34 weeks. There were 2 neonates complicated with intracranial hemorrhage, 2 with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, 3 with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, 2 with severe asphyxia and death, and 14 with small for gestational age. Among the patients with adverse perinatal outcomes, 26 women received blood transfusion during pregnancy and 17 developed SPE. The maximum and the minimum value of their white cell count (WBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and blood platelet count (BPC) were (4.9±1.4)×10(9)/L, (2.9±0.8)×10(9)/L, (88.6±14.9) g/L, (57.9±14.5) g/L, (47.7±27.4)×10(9)/L and (11.9±12.3)×10(9)/L, respectively. For those patients without adverse perinatal outcomes, 43 received blood transfusion during pregnancy and 5 developed SPE. The maximum and the minimum value of their WBC, Hb and BPC were (5.2±1.5)×10(9)/L, (3.2±0.9)×10(9)/L, (101.4±16.2) g/L, (71.9 ± 14.5) g/L, (52.3 ± 24.0) × 10(9)/L and (19.0±12.1) × 10(9)/L, respectively. The multivariate regression analyses indicated that SPE, Hb less than 70 g/L and BPC less than 20×10(9)/L were the independent risk factors for the poor perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with pancytopenia (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of adverse perinatal complications increased dramatically in pregnant women with pancytopenia. Concurrent SPE, minimum Hb less than 70 g/L and minimum BPC less than 20 × 10(9)/L may be the independent risk factors for the adverse perinatal outcomes.

[Analysis of risk factors for preeclampsia in pregnancies complicated with chronic aplastic anemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for preeclampsia(PE) in pregnancies complicated with chronic aplastic anemia (CAA) by analyzing the obstetric management and pregnancy outcome. METHODS: Retrospectively review the clinical data including the obstetric management, the laboratory findings and the pregnancy outcome of 41 pregnant women complicated with CAA, all of whom were hospitalized in Peking University People's Hospital from May 2002 to February 2011. Multiple logistic regression was used to explore the risk factors associated with PE. RESULTS: (1) Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed before conception while 13 were diagnosed during gestation. Eleven patients including all the 7 who were categorized as severe CAA presented with mild bleeding in the third trimester. (2) The medians of white blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentrations and platelet counts were 5.0×109/L, 66.0 g/L and 12.0×109/L respectively. (3) The obstetric management consisted of strict assessment, intensive surveillance and follow-up, appropriate supportive measures, timely recognition of complications, and delivery when necessary. Twenty-one patients received supportive transfusions. Ten patients developed PE, all of whom were diagnosed as severe PE (SPE). Twelve patients suffered postpartum hemorrhage, and 3 of them had blood loss more than 1000 ml. All were conservatively treated in success. (4) The median gestational age of delivery was 37 weeks. Sixteen cases delivered before 37 weeks and 5 delivered before 34 weeks. Two patients developed SPE at 29 weeks and 30 weeks respectively, and both of the neonates died for severe asphyxia. The birth weight of the live neonates ranged from 1500 to 3660 g. (5) The postpartum follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 7 years. Thirty-three patients got improvement without dependence on transfusions. Four achieved no remission and still needed intermittent transfusions. Four were lost in follow-up. (6) Significant differences were found in the bleeding tendency, the platelet counts and the delivery weeks when comparing the patients developing PE and those without PE. No differences were found with regard to the age, the gestational age of first visit, the percentage of patients diagnosed before conception, the percentage of severe CAA, the choice of treatment, the white blood cell counts and the hemoglobin level. The Multiple logistic regression showed that the platelet count less than 10×109/L was an independent risk factor for CAA patients developing PE (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Most pregnancies complicated with CAA could achieve good maternal and fetal outcome, when intensive prenatal care and supportive management are provided. SPE is the most common complication. The platelet count less than 10×109/L is perhaps an independent risk factor for CAA patients developing PE.

Bilateral interhemispheric subdural hematoma after inadvertent lumbar puncture in a parturient.

PURPOSE: Interhemispheric subdural hematomas (ISH) are rare in adults and occur most often after cranial trauma. We describe a parturient who developed bilateral acute ISH after inadvertent dural puncture associated with placement of an epidural catheter for labour analgesia. We discuss the features, pathophysiology, and management of this type of subdural hematoma. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 38-yr-old woman requested epidural analgesia for relief of labour pain. An inadvertent dural puncture occurred during placement of a 17G Tuohy needle. After labour and delivery, the patient developed symptoms of a postdural puncture headache, which responded only partially to an epidural blood patch. The patient's headache subsequently became less position-dependent and was associated with episodes of sharp pain radiating down her legs and paresthesias on the left side of her body. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed right frontal and left parietal acute ISH without an intracranial mass effect. The patient was monitored in the intensive care unit and treated conservatively because of the relatively small size of the ISH and the absence of progressive neurological deficits on serial examinations. Daily CT scans showed gradual decreases in the size of the ISH concomitant with improvement of the headache. CONCLUSIONS: Rupture of bridging veins between the cerebral cortex and the superior sagittal sinus is the usual mechanism by which ISH occur. Nearly one-quarter of patients with ISH do not survive, although those with smaller hematomas have a better outcome. If the hematoma is < 1 cm in thickness, a conservative approach to ISH is recommended in the absence of mental status changes, seizure activity, or focal deficits, but with larger ISH or evidence of progressive neurological deterioration, surgical evacuation is most often required to prevent mortality.

[Etiology and clinical characteristics of pregnancy-emerged thrombocytopenia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology and clinical characteristics of pregnancy-emerged thrombocytopenia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 159 pregnancies with thrombocytopenia, who were admitted to Peking University People's Hospital from January 2000 to January 2010. All the patients recruited in this study had no history of blood or immune system disease before pregnancy, and thrombocytopenia was the predominate clinical manifestation during pregnancy, with platelet counts less than 100 × 10(9)/L at least twice during pregnancy. The thrombocytopenia should not be induced by drugs, viral infections, preeclampsia or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome (HELLP). All cases were followed up. The general condition, the onset time of thrombocytopenia, platelet changes, accompany symptoms, maternal and perinatal outcomes as well as follow-up conditions were compared based on the etiology. RESULTS: (1) ETIOLOGY: among the 159 cases, 101 (63.5%) were diagnosed gestational thrombocytopenia (GT); 43 (27.0%) were idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP); 9 (5.7%) were blood system diseases, including 4 cases of megaloblastic anemia (MA), 2 cases of aplastic anaemia (AA), and 3 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Six cases (3.8%) were diagnosed immune system diseases, including 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 2 cases of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and 1 case of Evans syndrome. (2) Maternal and perinatal outcomes:pregnancy induced hypertension was diagnosed in 21 cases (13.2%), abnormal glucose metabolism in 13 cases (8.2%), anemia in 44 cases (27.7%) and preterm delivery in 18 cases (11.3%). Twenty-nine cases (18.2%) were treated with corticosteroids or gamma globulin during pregnancy. The average gestational week was 38 weeks. Fifty-five cases (34.6%) underwent vaginal delivery, 104 cases (65.4%) received cesarean section. Postpartum hemorrhage was observed in 34 cases (21.4%), and puerperal infection happened in 2 cases (1.3%). No maternal death was found. In a total of 160 fetuses (including twins), there were 157 live births. Three cases of fetal death and 2 cases of early neonatal deaths were observed. Fetal growth restriction was observed in 4 cases, and neonatal thrombocytopenia was seen in 6 cases. No intracranial hemorrhage was detected. (3) The onset time of thrombocytopenia: among the 159 cases, 29 cases (18.2%), 67 cases (42.1%), 63 cases (43.6%) of thrombocytopenia were detected in the first, second and third trimester, respectively. There was a significant difference of the onset time of thrombocytopenia between GT and ITP groups (P < 0.05). Patients with GT tended to have a later onset of thrombocytopenia, which mainly happened in the second and third trimester, while patients with ITP tended to happen in the first and second trimester. (4) The degree of thrombocytopenia: the cases with the minimum platelets level of (51 - 100) × 10(9)/L, (31 - 50) × 10(9)/L, (10 - 30) × 10(9)/L, < 10 × 10(9)/L during pregnancy were 75 (47.2%), 39 (24.5%), 31 (19.5%), 14 (8.8%) respectively. There was a significant difference between GT and ITP groups in the lowest platelets level (P < 0.01). (5) Thrombocytopenia accompany with anemia: among the 159 cases, there were 44 cases (27.7%) accompanied with anemia. The proportion was 9.9% (10/101) in GT group, 58.1% (25/43) in ITP group, with significant difference (P < 0.01). Anemia was also found in 5 cases in blood system disease group (5/9), and 1 case in immune system disease group (Evans syndrome, 1/6). Pancytopenia was observed in 2 cases with ITP (4.7%, 2/43) and 3 cases with blood system disease (AA: 1 cases, MA: 2 cases, 3/9). (6) The recovery of the platelets counts postpartum: the postpartum follow-up periods were 7 months to 10 years. Patients recovered within 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months postpartum were 66 cases (41.5%), 43 cases (27.0%), 17 cases (10.7%) respectively. The platelets counts did not recover within 6 months postpartum in 33 cases (45.7%). CONCLUSIONS: GT is the leading cause of pregnancy-emerged thrombocytopenia followed by ITP. There are significant differences between GT and ITP in the onset time of thrombocytopenia, the lowest platelets level, the proportion of anemia accompanied and the postpartum recovery. Other etiologies including immune and blood system diseases are rare. The relevant examinations should be taken for etiology and differential diagnosis.

[Clinical analysis about the management and the perinatal outcomes of pregnancy with chronic myeloid leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the perinatal outcomes of pregnancy with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and how to manage it during pregnancy. METHODS: to retrospectively analyse the clinical datas about the perinatal outcome and the obstetric management of the 16 cases of pregnancy with CML during the last 30 years in a single center. RESULTS: (1) management ang perinatal outcomes: among the 16 pregnancies nine ended with therapeutic abortion during the first or second trimester and no CML complications were observed. The average gestation week was 7 weeks (5 - 13 weeks) when they came to our hospital. Seven pregnancies gave birth, among which CML was diagnosed during pregnancy in four patients and pregnancy was confirmed during CML in three patients. The average gestation week was 36 weeks (27 - 40 weeks(+2)) when they came to our hospital. Among the seven women three were treated with hydroxyurea (one became pregnant while she was on hydroxyurea and she elected to continue her pregnancy and continued to use hydroxyurea), one with leukapheresis twice after her 40 weeks of gestation, one with plateletpheresis and three hadn't any treatment. In the seven pregnacies three developed severe pre-eclampsias, including the two had hydroxyurea during the gestation. The average delivery gestational week was 38 weeks (33 weeks(+4) - 41 weeks), two were premature birth. Two caesarean sections, three vaginal deliveries and two forceps deliveries. There were two postpartum hemorrhage, during the 24 hours the amount of bleeding was 1500 - 1800 ml and secondary disseminated intravascular coagulation happened. Seven patients gave birth to seven infants whose average birth weight was 2469 g (1820 - 2810 g), of whom two were premature infants, two low birth weight infants, one had congenital malformation and two had abnormal blood routine examinations. (2) Management after delivery and prognosis: during the nine patients who ended pregnancy with therapeutic abortion during the first or second trimester four withdraw, one died whose course of disease was 3 years and the other four were alive during 5 months to 72 months, among which one had stem cell transplantation, two are taking imatinib mesylate and one takes hydroxyurea. Among the seven patients who deliveried two withdraw, two died and three are alive. Among the seven infants two withdraw, the other five have normal development following 4 months to 9 years. CONCLUSIONS: CML patient may have successful pregnancy and delivery, and it is not the absolute indication for terminating pregnancy. On the other hand, CML and the treatment during pregnancy can have side effect on the mother and the fetus, so the patients should be monitored and treated in tertiary hospitals.

[Clinical analysis of pregnancy complicated with severe thrombocytopenia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology and perinatal outcome of pregnancies complicated with extremely severe thrombocytopenia [at least two times of platelets count (PLT) < 10 × 10(9)/L during pregnancy]. METHODS: Clinical data, including basic information, etiology, management and outcomes of pregnant women with extremely severe thrombocytopenia, admitted to Peking University People's Hospital from January 2004 to March 2009, were retrospectively collected. The management of these cases varied according to different etiology and the symptoms: (1) PLT were maintained > 20 × 10(9)/L and hemoglobulin > 70 g/L in those women without spontaneous bleeding; (2) PLT transfusion would be required when PLT < 10 × 10(9)/L or bleeding occur and RBC would be supplied when hematocrit < 25% and hemoglobulin < 70 g/L; (3) Hemoglobulin should be > 70 g/L and PLT > 30 × 10(9)/L before cesarean section or delivery; (4) Predinisone and/or intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) would be given in women complicated with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) when PLT < (20 - 30) × 10(9)/L or bleeding. PLT would be given if all the above management were failed, or PLT < 10 × 10(9)/L, or bleeding. Women without bleeding would be closely monitored and delivery would be planned. RESULTS: (1) Twenty-six cases were identified among 9302 deliveries during the study period (0.28%), with an average of maternal age of 29. Seventeen were diagnosed before conception and 9 during pregnancy. Among the 26 women, half received regular prenatal check in our hospital and the average gestations at diagnosis was 24 weeks and the other half without regular prenatal visits and the average gestations at diagnosis was 32 weeks. Etiology was identified in 24 out of the 26 women, including 14 (54%) ITP, 5 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 4 chronic aplastic anaemia (CAA) and 1 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). (2) MANAGEMENT: All of the 26 women received blood products. Among the 14 ITP cases, 6 received predinisone and IVIG and 8 only took predinisone. Nine of the 26 patients (35%) had pregnant complications, among which 6 (6/9) were preeclampsia. The overall average gestation at delivery was 36 weeks. Only 2 delivered vaginally with the average blood loss of 83 ml and 23 cesarean sections were performed with the average blood loss of 410 ml. (3) Perinatal outcomes: There were 26 perinatal babies, among which 1 died intrauterine and 25 were born alive (12 preterm infants). The average birth weight was 2877 g. Neonatal severe thrombocytopenia presented in 2 newborns whose mother complicated with ITP. CONCLUSIONS: The main cause of extremely severe thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is ITP, managed mainly by predinisone and IVIG, followed by CAA and MDS, which may require supportive treatment. Pregnancy complicated with extremely severe thrombocytopenia is not an indication of termination. Better maternal and fetal outcomes can be achieved through proper treatment based on the etiology, intensive care in prevention and management of complications and cesarean section.

Prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis study of 2782 cases of high-risk pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal diagnoses are extremely advantageous for pregnant women with high-risk indicators and can help prevent the birth of malformed infants. However, no large-scale statistical study analyzing the correlation between fetal chromosome disorders and abnormal indicators during pregnancy has been done in China. The objectives of this study were to diagnose and analyze fetal chromosome abnormalities, determine the feasibility of the various prenatal test methods and establish diagnostic guidelines for the early, middle, and late trimesters. METHODS: From January 2004 to May 2009, 2782 pregnant women at high-risk underwent prenatal diagnoses. Categorized data expressed as either actual counts or percentages were analyzed by the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Chorionic villus sampling was performed in the early-trimester (10 - 12 weeks of gestation), amniocentesis in mid-trimester (16 - 28 weeks of gestation), and umbilical cord blood collection in mid- or late-trimester (16 - 37 weeks of gestation). In 51 cases either autopsy samples from intrauterine fetal deaths or placental tissues from aborted fetuses were tested. RESULTS: Chromosomal abnormalities were observed in 3.99% (111/2782) of the samples. Overall, the success rate of cytogenetic analysis for high-risk pregnancy groups was 98.17% (2731/2782). It was significantly less successful when used to analyze data from the chorionic villus sampling compared with that from amniocentesis and umbilical cord blood (P = 0.000). Abnormal chromosome carriers had the highest percentage of abnormal chromosomes (67.86%) when compared with chromosomal abnormalities in patients with ultra-sonographic "soft markers" (11.81%), advanced maternal age (4.51%) and those who had positive serum screening results (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Invasive prenatal diagnostic techniques are feasible tools for confirming fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Abnormal chromosomes detected in one of the parents carrying abnormal chromosome, ultrasound soft markers, advanced maternal age or positive serum screening results were associated with a higher frequency of fetal genetic diseases.