Early versus delayed oxytocin infusion following amniotomy for induction of labor: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin infusion prior to confirmation of delay in labor is discouraged by the World Health Organization. However, evidence from the Cochrane library seems to support early amniotomy and oxytocin to reduce the rates of cesarean sections (CS). OBJECTIVES: To investigate differences in mode of delivery among parturient receiving early versus delayed oxytocin infusion following amniotomy as a mean for augmentation of labor. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar databases from inception till February 2020. Selection criteria: Randomized controlled trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were collected using a modified Cochrane data collection form for intervention reviews. Meta-analysis was performed using the meta function in RStudio. MAIN RESULTS: Five studies were included that involved 1.232 parturient. The meta-analysis did not reveal significant differences in the mode of delivery among women that were randomized to receive immediate oxytocin infusion and those that received delayed oxytocin infusion (operative vaginal delivery OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.48, 2.69) and CS OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.53, 1.25)). The interval from amniotomy to delivery was significantly smaller in the immediate oxytocin infusion group; however, prediction intervals were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our meta-analysis suggest that there is no difference in the mode of delivery and interval from amniotomy to delivery when oxytocin is delayed for at least one hour following amniotomy. Taking in mind this information as well as current recommendations drawn from the WHO physicians should consider withholding oxytocin infusion at least until protracted labor is confirmed.

The Addition of Endometrial Injury to Freeze-All Strategy in Women with Repeated Implantation Failures.

(1) Background: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after IVF remains a challenging topic for fertility specialists and a frustrating reality for patients with infertility. Various approaches have been investigated and applied towards the improvement of clinical outcomes. Through a nonrandomized clinical trial, we evaluated the effect of the combination of hysteroscopic endometrial injury and the freeze-all technique on pregnancy parameters in a cohort of RIF patients; (2) Methods: The study group comprised of 30 patients with RIF that underwent a hysteroscopic endometrial injury prior to a frozen embryo transfer cycle; another 30 patients with RIF, comprising the control group, underwent a standard frozen cycle with no adjuvant treatment before. Live birth comprised the primary outcome. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were implemented to reveal potential independent predictors for all outcomes. (3) Results: Live birth rates were similar between groups (8/30 vs. 3/30, p = 0.0876). Biochemical and clinical pregnancy and miscarriages were also independent of the procedure (p = 0.7812, p = 0.3436 and p = 0.1213, respectively). The only confounding factor that contributed to biochemical pregnancy was the number of retrieved oocytes (0.1618 ± 0.0819, p = 0.0481); (4) Conclusions: The addition of endometrial injury to the freeze-all strategy in infertile women with RIF does not significantly improve pregnancy rates, including live birth. A properly conducted RCT with adequate sample size could give a robust answer.

Training the trainees: a pilot study of inter-observer discrepancy and learning curve in the maternal foetal unit of a tertiary centre.

Our study aims to present the preliminary findings of an ongoing prospective cohort study that assesses the trainees' ability to perform foetal biometry during the third trimester of pregnancy. Sixty-three women with third-trimester singleton pregnancies were included. A biometry scan was performed byboth residents and a foetal medicine specialist in the Third department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Attikon University Hospital. For each case, the ultrasonographic measurements of the two operator groups were compared. The mean difference of the resident group compared to the specialist group was: for the biparietal diameter +1.3 mm (CI 95%, range -10.6 to +13,3, ±1.96 SD), for the occipitofrontal diameter -2.6 mm (CI 95%, range -31.5 to +26.2), for the anterior-posterior abdominal diameter -2.6 mm (CI 95%, range -17.9 to +12.8), for the transverse abdominal diameter -0.7 mm (CI 95%, range -17.1 to +15.7) and for the femur length -1.1 mm (CI 95%, range -11.7 to +9.6). We observed that, among all biometric parameters, the most accurate -based on the specialist group were the head circumference measurements. The highest discrepancy was noted for the abdominal assessment. Given that foetal biometry is of utmost importance in obstetrical clinical evaluation and management, a study that highlights the weaknesses of residents in this field could open new horizons in optimising the learning procedure.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? After review of the literature, we found only a few studies on inter- and intra-observer discrepancy in foetal biometry measurements among specialists.What the results of this study add? To our knowledge, our study is the first to evaluate residents' capacity of performing a biometry scan, by comparing their measurements to those of MFM specialists.What the implications are of these findings to clinical practice and/or further research? The need for constant evaluation of residents is indisputable. Our study could help to improve their ultrasound skills by giving emphasis on residents' weaknesses. With further research on this subject, a standard system of evaluation could be formed and determine the duration and type of training required for each resident.

Umbilical cord coiling index for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes: a meta-analysis and sequential analysis.

Purpose: To evaluate the potential association of abnormal cord coiling with adverse pregnancy outcomes.Materials and methods: We used the Medline (1966-2018), Scopus (2004-2018), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008-2018), Embase (1980-2018), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2018), and Google Scholar (2004-2018) databases. The date of last search was set on 31 May 2018. Language, country, or date restrictions were not applied during the literature research to prevent bias. All observational (both prospective and retrospective) studies that reported maternal and neonatal antenatal and perinatal outcomes based on the umbilical coiling index (UCI) status were considered as eligible for inclusion. Meta-analysis of the risk ratio (RR) and mean differences (MD) among hypocoiled/hypercoiled and normocoiled cases was performed with RevMan 5.3 software. Univariate metaregression and leave-one-out meta-analysis was performed with Open Meta-Analyst statistical software. Trial sequential analysis was performed with the trial sequential analysis (TSA) software.Results: Twenty four studies were finally included that involved 9553 pregnant women. Umbilical cord coiling was evaluated with the use of the umbilical coiling index (UCI). Values of the UCI below the 10th percentile were evaluated as hypocoiled and above the 90th percentile as hypercoiled. Hypocoiled cords were significantly associated with increased prevalence of preterm birth < 37 weeks, need for interventional delivery due to fetal distress, meconium stained liquor, Apgar scores < 7 at 5 min, small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, fetal anomalies, need for admission in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), fetal heart rate abnormalities, and fetal death. Hypercoiled cords were significantly associated with increased prevalence of preterm birth < 37 weeks, need for interventional delivery due to fetal distress, meconium stained liquor, Apgar scores < 7 at 5 min, small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, fetal anomalies, fetal growth restriction fetal heart rate abnormalities, fetal acidosis, and fetal death.Conclusions: The findings of our meta-analysis underline the correlation of UCI abnormalities with antenatal and perinatal pathology. More studies are needed, however, to elucidate whether antenatal assessment of the UCI can be used as routine in clinical practice as well as its value in uncomplicated pregnancies.

Nocturnal blood pressure alterations in patients with preeclampsia - Do they really matter? A systematic review of the literature.

The significance of blood pressure alterations during night-time has been already recorded in essential hypertension and several studies have been conducted to guide current clinical practice. To date, however, there is no consensus regarding the need for screening patients with preeclampsia for nocturnal hypertension as evidence in this field remain scarce. The purpose of this study is to accumulate current data in this field and serve as a pilot for the conduct of future studies. The present systematic review was designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We used the Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases in our primary search along with the reference lists of electronically retrieved full-text papers. Overall, six studies were included in our systematic review that recruited 487 pregnant women. Their methodological quality was evaluated as average according to the Newcastle-Ottawa criteria. The majority of those studies pointed towards significant differences in nocturnal blood pressure patterns among patients with preeclampsia and controls. However, its clinical value in determining pregnancy outcomes remains unknown as only one small case control study investigated outcomes of patients with severe preeclampsia and different patterns of nocturnal blood pressure and reported that differences were non-significant. Concluding, current evidence supports that nocturnal hypertension seems to be more prevalent in cases complicated by preeclampsia; however, its clinical usefulness in determining pregnancy outcomes remains, to date, unknown.

Serum cystatin-c as predictive factor of preeclampsia: A meta-analysis of 27 observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: Serum cystatin-c is a protein that is filtered freely through the glomerulus and reabsorbed and degraded by proximal tubular cells and can be used as a biomarker of renal function. Its levels rise during the third trimester and decrease in the postpartum period. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to assess the performance of serum cystatin-c for the prediction of preeclampsia. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used the Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar. We selected all observational studies (both prospective and retrospective) that investigated the accuracy of cystatin-c in predicting preeclampsia. Statistical meta-analysis was performed with the RevMan 5.3 and Stata/IC 13.0 software, using hierarchical models to develop the SROC curve. RESULTS: The quantitative synthesis was based in 27 studies with a total number of 2,320 women. Serum cystatin-c levels were higher in preeclamptic women compared to healthy pregnant controls (MD: 0.40 mg/l, 95% CI [0.33, 0.46]). The pooled sensitivity of serum cystatin-c for the prediction of preeclampsia was 0.85 (95% CI [0.79-0.89]) and the pooled specificity 0.84 (95% CI [0.77-0.90]. Fagan's nomogram indicated that the post-test probability increased to 14% (positive test) and decreased to 1% (negative test), when the pre-test probability was set at 3%. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of our study serum cystatin-c seems to be a promising biomarker for the detection of preeclampsia during the third trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, its implementation in future predictive models in the field is recommended.

Random urine uric acid to creatinine and prediction of perinatal asphyxia: a meta-analysis.

Objective: The purpose of the present review is to evaluate whether urine uric acid to creatinine ratio is increased in perinatal asphyxia and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), as well as to assess its predictive accuracy in the disease. Methods: We used the Medline (1966-2017), Scopus (2004-2017), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008-2017), Embase (1980-2017), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2017), and Google Scholar (2004-2017) databases in our primary search along with the reference lists of electronically retrieved full-text papers. The hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model was used for the meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy. Results: Fourteen studies were finally included in the present review, that investigated 1226 neonates. Urinary uric acid to creatinine ratio was significantly higher in neonates with perinatal asphyxia than in healthy controls (mean differences (MD): 1.43 95%CI [1.17, 1.69]). Specifically, the mean difference for Sarnat stage 1 was 0.70 (95%CI [0.28, 1.13]), for stage 2 1.41 (95%CI [0.99, 1.84]), and for stage 3 2.71 (95%CI [2.08, 3.35]). The estimated sensitivity for the summary point was 0.90 (95%CI (0.82-0.95)), the specificity was 0.88 (95%CI (0.73-0.95)) and the diagnostic odds ratio was calculated at 63.62 (95%CI (17.08-236.96)). Conclusions: Urinary uric acid to creatinine ratio is a rapid and an easily detected biomarker that may help physicians identify neonates at risk of developing perinatal asphyxia and HIE. However, large-scale prospective studies are still needed to determine its value in predicting mortality, as well as short- and long-term adverse neurological outcomes.

Serum neopterin levels in women with preeclampsia: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Neopterin is a pteridine that is produced following activation of human macrophages upon stimulation with the cytokine interferon-gamma. Several studies suggest its association with preeclampsia and the purpose of the present study is to evaluate this assumption. METHODS: We searched the Medline (1992-2018), Scopus (1993-2018) and Google Scholar (1993-2018) databases. All articles that evaluated serum neopterin levels in patients with preeclampsia were held eligible for inclusion, regardless of the trimester of pregnancy in which the measurement was performed. Case reports, animal studies and previous reviews were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies were finally included in the present review, with a total number of 3,529 pregnant women. Among them 446 were diagnosed with preeclampsia. The majority of included studies reported that serum neopterin was significantly higher in patients with preeclampsia, compared to normotensive pregnant women (p < .05). One study reported that serum levels seem to correlate with the severity of the disease; as patients with HELLP had significantly higher values of neopterin compared to patients with mild and severe preeclampsia. None of the included studies proposed a cut-off value that would help assess the predictive accuracy of this protein for the detection of preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: Although current data seem to be promising, neopterin remains far from being used in current clinical practice as a biomarker that would help predict and follow-up patients that develop preeclampsia. Future studies are needed, to determine the optimal timing for its measurement and to propose potential cut-off values that would help in this direction.

The influence of thyroid disorders on bone density and biochemical markers of bone metabolism.

Background Thyroid dysfunction, predominantly hyperthyroidism, has been previously linked to impaired bone mass density (BMD) and increased risk of fractures. On the other hand, data in the field of hypothyroidism (HT) are missing. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of thyroid disorders on bone density serum and urine calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) as well as serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase and urine hydroxyproline in a series of post-menopausal women. Materials and methods The study was conducted in the Reproductive Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic of our hospital. A consecutive series of post-menopausal women was included, after excluding patients under hormone treatment (including levothyroxine supplementation) and those who received raloxifene, tamoxifen or tibolone during the study period as well as those who received treatment during the previous 12 months were excluded from the present study. Results Overall, 188 women were included in the present study. Among them, 143 women had normal thyroid function, 32 women had hyperthyroidism and 13 women had HT. Correlation of thyroid function indices with osteoporosis indices revealed statistically significant correlations between thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3) with T-, Z-scores and BMD. Logistic regression analysis concerning the impact of HT and hyperthyroidism on T-score, Z-score and bone mass density revealed that both pathological entities negatively affect bone health (p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings of our study suggest that not only hyperthyroidism, but also HT negatively affects BMD. Future studies should investigate this association and corroborate our findings.

Mean platelet volume values in preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been explored in several observational studies in the field of preeclampsia and current evidence seem to be conflicting. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to evaluate the reported MPV differences in patients that develop preeclampsia and to compare them to those of otherwise healthy women. DESIGN AND METHODS: We searched the international literature using the Medline (1966-2018), Scopus (2004-2018), EMBASE (1947-2018) and Clinicaltrials.gov (2008-2018) databases. Statistical meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: The meta-analysis was based on outcomes reported from 50 studies that included 14,614 women. MPV was significantly higher in preeclamptic than healthy pregnant women (7905 women, MD: 1.04 fl, 95% CI [0.76, 1.32]). The mean difference was less evident among women with mild preeclampsia (6604 women, MD: 0.65 fl, 95% CI [0.19, 1.11]), compared to the severe ones (6119 women, MD: 1.28 fl, 95% CI [0.75, 1.80]). The results of the univariate meta-regression analysis showed that region, sample size, time to analysis, anticoagulant, platelet count and NOS score did not affect the outcomes of the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our meta-analysis suggest that mean platelet volume represents a promising biomarker for the detection and follow-up of patients that develop preeclampsia. However, given that the available evidence is drawn from case-control studies, future cohorts are needed in this field to accurately determine optimal timing and cut-off values that may be used in the clinical setting.

Delayed interval delivery of the second twin in a woman with altered markers of inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Delayed interval intertwin delivery rates are expected to rise during the next years as potent and targeted tocolytic agents are employed and antenatal surveillance methods become more sophisticated and specific in predicting the critical delivery timepoint of optimal perinatal outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of delayed intertwin delivery after delivery of the first twin due to premature prelabor rupture of the membranes. Maternal serum White Blood Cells and C-Reactive Protein levels remained high until delivery of the second twin (34 days after the first was delivered), although maternal temperature remained constant. The mother underwent close antenatal surveillance and she was hospitalized. She had an uncomplicated delivery of the second twin at 29+ 2 weeks by cesarean section due to an abnormal Non-Stress Test. CONCLUSION: We strongly suggest future evaluation of maternal serum inflammatory markers among these rare cases as these could predict intraamniotic infection.

The association between sexually transmitted infections, human papillomavirus, and cervical cytology abnormalities among women in Greece.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the presence of cytological changes in the cervix in a cohort of sexually active women in Greece. METHODS: Cervical cytology testing and the molecular typing of HPV and other STIs were performed for 345 sexually active women aged between 18 and 45 years (mean 33.2±7.2years) visiting a gynaecology clinic for routine cervical screening. The association of HPV and STI detection with cytological findings was investigated. RESULTS: HPV was detected in 61 women (17.7%) and STIs in 82 (23.8%). Ureaplasma spp was the most frequently detected pathogen, which was found in 63 (18.2%) women, followed by Mycoplasma spp (21 women, 25.6%) and Chlamydia trachomatis (five women, 6.1%). HPV positivity only (with no co-presence of STI) was associated with an abnormal cytology (odds ratio 6.9, p<0.001), while women who were negative for both HPV and STIs had a higher probability of a normal cytology (odds ratio 0.36, p<0.01). Sixteen out of the 63 (25.4%) women who tested positive for Ureaplasma spp, harboured a high-risk HPV type (odds ratio 2.3, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In a population with a high prevalence of Ureaplasma spp, there was an association of this pathogen with high-risk HPV infection, a finding that needs further elucidation.

Soluble TREM-1 as a predictive factor of neonatal sepsis: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 (TREM-1) in detecting sepsis in adults has already been proven. To date, however, consensus in the field of neonatal sepsis is lacking. The purpose of the present systematic review is to accumulate current evidence in this field. SEARCH STRATEGY: We systematically searched Medline (1966-2017), Scopus (2004-2017), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008-2017), EMBASE (1980-2017), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2017) and Google Scholar (2004-2017) along with reference lists from included studies. MAIN RESULTS: Eight studies were finally included in the present analysis, with a total number of 667 neonates. The estimated sensitivity for the summary point was 0.95 [95% CI (0.81-0.99)] and the specificity was 0.87 [95% CI (0.56-0.97)]. The diagnostic odds ratio was calculated at 132.49 [95% CI (6.85-2560.70)]. Fagan's nomogram demonstrated that the post-test probability increased to 71% and decreased to 2%, when the pre-test probability was set at 25%. However, significant discrepancy was observed in terms of the used cut-offs; therefore, the sensitivity and specificity presented in our meta-analysis should be reviewed with caution, as they may present an overestimation of the actual predictive efficacy of this protein. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that sTREM-1 may become a useful biomarker for the prediction of neonatal sepsis. However, the small number of studies and the variation of the threshold values limit its implementation in clinical practice. Future large-scale studies are needed to determine the optimal cut-off value that may discriminate normal levels from those suggestive of the presence of neonatal sepsis.

Correlation of platelet to lymphocyte and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio with hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS.

Background The purpose of our study is to evaluate the association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with hormonal and metabolic parameters in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in order to assess whether these ratios may become useful tools during the evaluation of the severity of low grade inflammation. Methods The present study is based in secondary outcomes from a prospectively collected patient database. A total of 266 women with PCOS participated in this study and blood a complete blood count examination (CBC) that was used for the calculation of PLR and NLR was available in 182 patients. Results Association statistics revealed that PLR had a significant correlation to 17-OH progesterone (r = -0.177, p = 0.024) and Matsuda index values (r = 0.234, p = 0.009), whereas NLR was correlated with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (r = -0.204, p = 0.007), free testosterone (r = 320, p < 0.001), Δ4-androstendione (r = 0.234, p = 0.003), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (r = -0.350, p < 0.002) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r = -0.171, p = 0.039). Conclusion According to the findings of our study, both PLR and NLR seem to be correlated with some hormonal and metabolic indices. This association is clearer in the case of NLR and serum androgens as it seems to be positively affected by their levels. PLR and NLR were not affected by the presence of obesity.

The impact of mild hypercholesterolemia on glycemic and hormonal profiles, menstrual characteristics and the ovarian morphology of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Background The severity of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been clearly associated with insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the present cross-sectional study is to investigate whether mild hypercholesterolemia alters the biochemical and clinical profile of PCOS patients. Methods Our study is based on a prospectively collected population of women of reproductive age who were diagnosed with PCOS according to the definition of the Rotterdam European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM/ESHRE) criteria. For the correlation analysis we used the non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Partial correlation was also performed to control for potential confounders observed in the univariate analysis. Results Overall, 235 patients were included. Their mean age ranged between 14 and 45 years old and the body mass index (BMI) between 17 and 54. Women with mild hypercholesterolemia had a higher BMI and their fasting insulin was increased as well as indices of insulin resistance [Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), Matsuda index] compared to women with PCOS with normal cholesterol levels. Correlation statistics suggested that the effect of serum lipids on the hormonal profile of patients was weak. Both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) exerted a significant mild negative correlation to glucose and insulin. However, after controlling the results for BMI and age (the two variables that were found significantly different in the univariate analysis) we observed that this effect was non-significant. Conclusion Mild hypercholesterolemia does not affect the hormonal profile of patients with PCOS; hence, to date, there is no evidence to suggest its treatment for the correction of menstrual and hormonal abnormalities in PCOS women.

Assessment of Uterocervical Angle Width as a Predictive Factor of Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Uterocervical angle (UCA) has been recently proposed as a potential marker that could accurately predict preterm birth (PTB). The purpose of the present systematic review is to accumulate current evidence and provide directions for future research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the Medline (1966-2018), Scopus (2004-2018), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008-2018), EMBASE (1980-2018), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2018), and Google Scholar (2004-2018) databases in our search. RESULTS: Eleven studies were finally included in the present systematic review that evaluated data from 3,018 women. The significant heterogeneity in terms of outcome reporting and outcome reporting measures (use of optimal cut-off values) precluded meta-analysis. However, existing data support that second trimester UCA measurement might be used as a predictive factor of PTB <34 weeks, as at least two studies in unselected singleton pregnancies and two studies in pregnancies with an ultrasonographically shortened cervix seem to support this hypothesis. The most commonly reported cut-off values were 105° and 95°. CONCLUSIONS: UCA measurement during the second trimester of pregnancy may be a useful method of determining women at risk of delivering preterm. However, more studies are needed to assess the reproducibility of these findings and reach conclusive evidence.

Bisphenol A and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Bisphenol A is a chemical compound related to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The purpose of the present systematic review is to summarize the current knowledge in the field. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched the Medline (1966-2017), Scopus (2004-2017), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008-2017), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2017) databases. RESULTS: Thirty-five studies were included in the present systematic review. According to our findings, BPA has a direct negative impact on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes, including birthweight, rates of preterm birth, developmental defects, and recurrent miscarriage. Data in the field of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus remain inconclusive because current research is very limited. CONCLUSIONS: BPA exposure during pregnancy can result in significant antenatal pathology; hence, occupational exposure should be at least discouraged during this period. However, cross-sectional studies in the field that would assess the levels of exposure at timely intervals are still lacking, therefore, the actual impact of BPA remains unclear.

Administration of prednisolone and low molecular weight heparin in patients with repeated implantation failures: a cohort study.

Conflicting results exist for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and prednisolone when tested as separate adjuncts for the improvement of the clinical outcomes in patients with repeated implantation failures (RIF) undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. Through a cohort study, we evaluated the combined effect of both drugs on pregnancy parameters in 115 women with RIF. Clinical pregnancy rate was the primary end point while the sample size was calculated through the results of a pilot study. Clinical and IVF cycle characteristics were also compared between the groups. Baseline and cycle characteristics were comparable between groups. Biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates were similar in both groups [23/57 (40.4%) vs. 14/58 (24.1%), and 17/57 (29.8%) vs. 11/58 (19%), p = .063, and .175, respectively]. Similarly, miscarriage rates were comparable between the groups (35.7% vs. 34.8%), as well as live birth rates [15/57 (26.3%) vs. 9/58 (15.5%), p = .154]. In conclusion, the administration of LMWH with prednizolone in subfertile women with RIF seems not to improve clinical pregnancy rates, but a full-scaled RCT would definitely be more accurate.

Safety and efficacy of the cervical pessary combined with vaginal progesterone for the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combined treatment of cervical pessary and endovaginal progesterone for the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) in women with a short cervical length (CL) between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of women with a singleton pregnancy and a sonographically detected mid-trimester CL ≤25 mm. The primary outcome measure was spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks (238 days) of gestation. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 90 women with a mean CL of 14.2 mm (SD=6.5 mm). Of the women, 34.4% had at least one risk factor for SPB; 7.8% delivered preterm before 34 weeks of gestation, and 25.6%, before 37 weeks. Neonatal death occurred in two (2.2%) cases due to respiratory distress syndrome. Lower body mass index values, history of preterm delivery and number of second trimester miscarriages were independently associated with delivery before 34 weeks. CONCLUSION: The combination of vaginal progesterone and cervical pessary for the prevention of SPB in women with a short cervix is safe and well tolerated. This therapy was associated with pregnancy prolongation, reduced prematurity rate and a low rate of perinatal complications.