Association of serum copeptin and urinary uromodulin with kidney function, blood pressure and albuminuria at 6 weeks post-partum in pre-eclampsia.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with subsequent higher risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Serum copeptin, as a proxy for vasopressin, and urinary uromodulin, were associated with PE physiopathology and kidney functional mass respectively. We describe concentrations of these proteins in the post-partum period and characterize their association with persistent hypertension (HTN) or albuminuria. Methods: Patients with PE and healthy controls with uncomplicated pregnancy were prospectively included at two teaching hospitals in Switzerland. Clinical parameters along with serum copeptin and urinary uromodulin were measured at 6 weeks post-partum. PE patients were further characterized based on presence of HTN (defined as either systolic BP (SBP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic (BP) ≥90 mmHg) or albuminuria [defined as urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥3 mg/mmol]. Results: We included 226 patients with 35 controls, 120 (62.8%) PE with persistent HTN/albuminuria and 71 (37.1%) PE without persistent HTN/albuminuria. Median serum copeptin concentration was 4.27 (2.9-6.2) pmol/L without differences between study groups (p > 0.05). Higher copeptin levels were associated with higher SBP in controls (p = 0.039), but not in PE (p > 0.05). Median urinary uromodulin concentration was 17.5 (7.8-28.7) mg/g with lower levels in PE patients as compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001), but comparable levels between PE patients with or without HTN/albuminuria (p > 0.05). Higher uromodulin levels were associated with lower albuminuria in PE as well as control patients (p = 0.040). Conclusion: Serum copeptin levels at 6 weeks post-partum are similar between PE patients and healthy controls and cannot distinguish between PE with or without residual kidney damage. This would argue against a significant pathophysiological role of the vasopressin pathway in mediating organ damage in the post-partum period. On the opposite, post-partum urinary uromodulin levels are markedly lower in PE patients as compared to healthy controls, potentially reflecting an increased susceptibility to vascular and kidney damage that could associate with adverse long-term cardiovascular and kidney outcomes.

Newborn phosphocalcic metabolism after intravenous iron administration during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Iron deficiency anemia is a very common health problem during pregnancy and intravenous (IV) iron substitution has become part of routine management. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the association of IV iron infusion and the development of secondary transitory hypophosphatemia (HP) in adults, including pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the impact of IV iron administration during pregnancy on the phosphocalcic metabolism of newborns. METHODS: A prospective, single-center, observational study was performed from December 2022 to May 2023 at the maternity facility of Geneva University Hospitals. We included women treated with either IV or oral iron during pregnancy. At delivery, a maternal blood sample was collected to assess hemoglobin, hematocrit, and levels of ferritin, phosphate and calcium, as well as an umbilical cord blood sample to assess levels of phosphate and calcium. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the contribution of IV iron substitution on cord blood phosphatemia and calcemia, considering potential confounding factors. Neonatal HP was defined as a phosphate level <1.3 mmol/L. RESULTS: Forty-three pregnant women were included in our study. Among these, 22 were treated with ferric carboxymaltose and 21 with oral iron. There were three cases of maternal HP in the IV iron group (13.6%) and one (4.8%) in the control group (p value for the difference= .607). We observed one case (4.5%) of neonatal HP in the IV iron group and no cases in the control group. Median cord blood phosphatemia and calcemia were 1.7 mmol/L vs. 1.71 mmol/L and 2.67 mmol/L vs. 2.64 mmol/L in the IV iron and oral groups, respectively. After adjustment, IV iron administration had no impact on cord blood phosphate (p= .919) and calcium (p= .891) levels. CONCLUSION: No impact of IV iron administration during pregnancy was observed on the newborn phosphocalcic metabolism.

[Multidisciplinary management of postpartum headaches]. / Prise en charge multidisciplinaire des céphalées du postpartum.

Headache is a common complaint in the postpartum period and is benign in most cases. Physiological adaptations during pregnancy and childbirth put women at risk of secondary headaches and the clinician must be able to identify them at an early stage. The management algorithm described in this article provides a systematic assessment based on 4 key points: the clinical presentation, which refers to specific clinical pictures or severity criteria, the clinical context and the evolution of symptoms focusing on potential complications and known associations between different diseases. Indications for imaging (CT or MRI) and possible treatments during breastfeeding are also detailed.

Les céphalées (primaires et secondaires) sont une plainte courante durant la période du postpartum et sont, dans la majorité des cas, bénignes. Les modifications physiologiques liées à la grossesse et à l'accouchement entraînent un risque de céphalées secondaires et le praticien doit savoir les identifier précocement. L'algorithme de prise en charge décrit dans cet article permet une évaluation systématisée et repose sur quatre points essentiels : la présentation clinique, qui oriente vers des tableaux cliniques spécifiques ou des critères de gravité, le contexte clinique et l'évolution de la symptomatologie, en insistant sur les complications potentielles, ainsi que les associations connues entre différentes pathologies. Les indications pour une imagerie (scanner ou IRM) sont détaillées ainsi que les traitements possibles durant l'allaitement.

Exploring health care professionals' experiences and knowledge of woman-centred care in a university hospital.

Inspired by the six quality-of-care goals developed by the Institute of Medicine, woman-centred care (WCC) as model of care is used in maternity services as it gives an emphasis on the woman as an individual and not her status as a patient. Bringing stronger attention to women's needs and values, is proven to have clear benefits for perinatal outcomes, but fails to be known or recognised by healthcare professionals' (HCPs) and implemented. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study aimed to explore HCPs definitions of WCC and identify the degree of agreement and knowledge regarding perinatal indicators when a WCC model of care is implemented. The quantitative part was carried using a self-administered questionnaire with perinatal indicators identified from the literature. Semi-structured interviews were realized using a purposive sample of 15 HCPs and an interview grid inspired by Leap's WCC model. The study was conducted in the maternity of a university hospital in French-speaking part of Switzerland. Out of 318 HCPs working with mothers and their newborns, 51% had already heard of WCC without being familiar with Leap's model. The HCPs were aware of the positive perinatal care outcomes when WCC was implemented: women's satisfaction (99.2%), health promotion (97.6%), HCP's job satisfaction (93.2%) and positive feelings about their work (85.6%), which were strongly emphasised in the interviews. The respondents reported institutional difficulties in implementing the model such as administrative overload and lack of time. The positive outcomes of WCC on spontaneous deliveries and improved neonatal adaptation were known by most HCPs (63.4% and 59.9%, respectively). However, fewer than half of the HCPs highlighted the model's positive effects on analgesia and episiotomies or its financial benefits. Knowledge of quality-of-care outcomes (i.e women's satisfaction, positive impact on practice…) was prevalent among most of HCPs. Without adhering to a common definition and without a specific model for consensus, most providers have integrated some aspects of WCC into their practice. However, specific perinatal indicators remain largely unknown, which may hinder the implementation of WCC.

Viral suppression and retention in HIV care during the postpartum period among women living with HIV: a longitudinal multicenter cohort study.

Background: Low rates of postnatal retention in HIV care and viral suppression have been reported in women living with HIV (WLWH) despite viral suppression at delivery. At the same time, postpartum follow-up is of crucial importance in light of the increasing support offered in many resource-rich countries including Switzerland to WLWH choosing to breastfeed their infant, if optimal scenario criteria are met. Methods: We longitudinally investigated retention in HIV care, viral suppression, and infant follow-up in a prospective multicentre HIV cohort study of WLWH in the optimal scenario who had a live birth between January 2000 and December 2018. Risk factors for adverse outcomes in the first year postpartum were assessed using logistic and proportional hazard models. Findings: Overall, WLWH were retained in HIV care for at least six months after 94.2% of the deliveries (694/737). Late start of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) during the third trimester was found to be the main risk factor for failure of retention in HIV care (crude odds ratio [OR] 3.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-10.22; p = 0.005). Among mothers on cART until at least one year after delivery, 4.4% (26/591) experienced viral failure, with illicit drugs use being the most important risk factor (hazard ratio [HR], 13.2; 95% CI, 2.35-73.6; p = 0.003). The main risk factors for not following the recommendations regarding infant follow-up was maternal depression (OR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.18-10.52; p = 0.024). Interpretation: Although the results are reassuring, several modifiable risk factors for adverse postpartum outcome, such as late treatment initiation and depression, were identified. These factors should be addressed in HIV care of all WLWH, especially those opting to breastfeed in resource-rich countries. Funding: This study has been financed within the framework of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant #201369), by SHCS project 850 and by the SHCS research foundation.

Risk of congenital malformation after first trimester mRNA COVID-19 vaccine exposure in pregnancy: the COVI-PREG prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the risk of congenital malformation among pregnant women exposed to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during the first trimester of pregnancy, which is a developmental period where the foetus is at risk of teratogenicity. METHODS: Pregnant women were prospectively enrolled from March 2021 to March 2022, at the time of COVID-19 vaccination. Pregnant women exposed to at least one dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from conception to 11 weeks of gestations and 6 days were compared with pregnant women exposed to the vaccine from 12 weeks to the end of pregnancy. The primary outcome was a confirmed congenital malformation at birth. RESULTS: A total of 1450 pregnant women were enrolled including 124 in the first trimester and 1326 in the second and third trimester. The overall proportion of congenital malformation was 0.81% (n = 1/124; 95% CI: 0.02-4.41) and 0.83% (n = 11/1326; 95% CI: 0.41-1.48) among pregnant exposed to the COVID-19 vaccine during the first and second/third trimester, respectively. First trimester exposure was not associated with a higher risk of congenital malformation with a relative risk of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.12-6.80) with no significant changes after adjustment through exploratory analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women exposed to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine before 12 weeks of gestation did not have an increased risk of congenital malformation compared with women exposed outside the teratogenic window. Because vaccination is safe and effective, emphasis must be placed on promoting vaccination during pregnancy.

Postpartum septic arthritis of pubic symphysis due to Sneathia sanguinegens, Sneathia vaginalis, and Mageeibacillus indolicus: Contribution of clinicalmetagenomics.

Sneathia sanguinegens, Sneathia vaginalis, and Mageeibacillus indolicus have been recently described in the female genital tract. We present the first case of a postpartum septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis due to these organisms, identified by next generation sequencing.

Influence of Timing of Maternal Pertussis Immunization on the Avidity of Transferred Antibodies in Term and Preterm Neonates.

The timing of maternal pertussis vaccination influences the titers of cord-blood anti-pertussis antibodies. Whether it affects their avidity is unknown. We demonstrate in 298 term and 72 preterm neonates that antibody avidity is independent of the timing of maternal vaccination, whether comparing second with third trimester or intervals before birth.

Clinicians' views regarding caesarean section rates in Switzerland: A cross-sectional web-based survey.

Objective: The caesarean section (CS) rate in Switzerland is currently 32 %, well above the WHO recommended rate of 15 %. The study aims were three-fold: to explore the perception of this high rate among Swiss obstetrics-gynecology (Ob-Gyn) professionals; to assess the factors associated with a perception of a too high national CS rate; and to describe professionals' opinions on measures to reduce this rate. Study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 May and 30 June 2021 using an online questionnaire sent to Ob/Gyn physicians and midwives at a university hospital and members of the Swiss Conference of Heads of Ob/Gyn Divisions. Survey participation was voluntary. The main outcome was the belief that CS was high. Associations were explored between different factors and the main outcome with logistic regression. Results were presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Multivariate logistic regression included adjustments for age, gender, place of work and profession. Results: Of 226 health professionals invited, 188 completed the questionnaire (83.2 % participation rate). Among respondents, 50.3 % (n = 94) were Ob/Gyn physicians and 49.7 % were midwives (n = 93); 77.1 % were women (n = 145). Most participants (74.7 % [n = 139]) considered the Swiss CS rate as too high and that it should be reduced (79 % [n = 147]) but, notably, they considered their own CS rate as correct (71.9 % [n = 123]). Improving patient education (57.5 % [n = 108]) and professional training (54.8 % [n = 103]) were considered as strategies to reduce this rate. In multivariate analysis, only length of professional experience was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of considering the CS rate as too high (OR 3.07, 95 % CI 1.01-9.30; p = 0.047). When specialty was added in the model, the length of professional experience disappeared and the perception of having a too high CS rate was associated with being a midwife and obstetrician rather than a gynecologist (OR 3.62, 95 % CI 1.72-7.63; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Clinicians, particularly obstetricians, believed that the current rate of CS in Switzerland was too high and that actions were needed to reduce this rate. Improving patient education and professional training were considered as the main strategies to be explored.

Pregnancy outcomes and vaccine effectiveness during the period of omicron as the variant of concern, INTERCOVID-2022: a multinational, observational study.

BACKGROUND: In 2021, we showed an increased risk associated with COVID-19 in pregnancy. Since then, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has undergone genetic mutations. We aimed to examine the effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 during pregnancy, and evaluate vaccine effectiveness, when omicron (B.1.1.529) was the variant of concern. METHODS: INTERCOVID-2022 is a large, prospective, observational study, involving 41 hospitals across 18 countries. Each woman with real-time PCR or rapid test, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in pregnancy was compared with two unmatched women without a COVID-19 diagnosis who were recruited concomitantly and consecutively in pregnancy or at delivery. Mother and neonate dyads were followed until hospital discharge. Primary outcomes were maternal morbidity and mortality index (MMMI), severe neonatal morbidity index (SNMI), and severe perinatal morbidity and mortality index (SPMMI). Vaccine effectiveness was estimated, adjusted by maternal risk profile. FINDINGS: We enrolled 4618 pregnant women from Nov 27, 2021 (the day after WHO declared omicron a variant of concern), to June 30, 2022: 1545 (33%) women had a COVID-19 diagnosis (median gestation 36·7 weeks [IQR 29·0-38·9]) and 3073 (67%) women, with similar demographic characteristics, did not have a COVID-19 diagnosis. Overall, women with a diagnosis had an increased risk for MMMI (relative risk [RR] 1·16 [95% CI 1·03-1·31]) and SPMMI (RR 1·21 [95% CI 1·00-1·46]). Women with a diagnosis, compared with those without a diagnosis, also had increased risks of SNMI (RR 1·23 [95% CI 0·88-1·71]), although the lower bounds of the 95% CI crossed unity. Unvaccinated women with a COVID-19 diagnosis had a greater risk of MMMI (RR 1·36 [95% CI 1·12-1·65]). Severe COVID-19 symptoms in the total sample increased the risk of severe maternal complications (RR 2·51 [95% CI 1·84-3·43]), perinatal complications (RR 1·84 [95% CI 1·02-3·34]), and referral, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, or death (RR 11·83 [95% CI 6·67-20·97]). Severe COVID-19 symptoms in unvaccinated women increased the risk of MMMI (RR 2·88 [95% CI 2·02-4·12]) and referral, ICU admission, or death (RR 20·82 [95% CI 10·44-41·54]). 2886 (63%) of 4618 total participants had at least a single dose of any vaccine, and 2476 (54%) of 4618 had either complete or booster doses. Vaccine effectiveness (all vaccines combined) for severe complications of COVID-19 for all women with a complete regimen was 48% (95% CI 22-65) and 76% (47-89) after a booster dose. For women with a COVID-19 diagnosis, vaccine effectiveness of all vaccines combined for women with a complete regimen was 74% (95% CI 48-87) and 91% (65-98) after a booster dose. INTERPRETATION: COVID-19 in pregnancy, during the first 6 months of omicron as the variant of concern, was associated with increased risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, especially among symptomatic and unvaccinated women. Women with complete or boosted vaccine doses had reduced risk for severe symptoms, complications, and death. Vaccination coverage among pregnant women remains a priority. FUNDING: None.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes following pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants infection among unvaccinated pregnant women in France and Switzerland: a prospective cohort study using the COVI-PREG registry.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women are at higher risk of adverse outcomes, but little evidence is available on how variants impact that risk. We aim to evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes among unvaccinated pregnant women that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, stratified by pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron periods. Methods: This prospective study enrolled women from March 2020 to September 2022. Exposure to the different SARS-CoV-2 variants was defined by their periods of predominance. The primary outcome was severe maternal adverse outcome defined as either intensive care unit admission, acute respiratory distress syndrome, advanced oxygen supplementation, or maternal death. The secondary outcomes were preterm birth and other perinatal outcomes. Findings: Overall, 1402, 262, and 391 SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women were enrolled during the pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron periods respectively. Severe maternal adverse outcome was reported in 3.4% (n = 947/1402; 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) 2.5-4.5), 6.5% (n = 7/262; 95%CI 3.8-10.2), and 1.0% (n = 4/391; 95%CI 0.3-2.6) of women during the pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron periods. The risk of severe maternal adverse outcome was higher during the Delta vs pre-Delta period (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.8; 95%CI 1.1-3.2) and lower during the Omicron vs pre-Delta period (aRR = 0.3; 95%CI, 0.1-0.8). The risks of hospitalization for COVID-19 were 12.6% (n = 176/1402; 95%CI 10.9-14.4), 17.2% (n = 45/262; 95%CI 12.8-22.3), and 12.5% (n = 49/391; 95%CI 9.4-16.2), during the pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron period, respectively. Pregnancy complications occurred after SARS-CoV-2 exposure in 30.0% (n = 363/1212; 95%CI 27.4-32.6), 35.2% (n = 83/236; 95%CI 29.1-41.6), and 30.3% (n = 105/347; 95%CI 25.5-35.4) of patients during the pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron periods, respectively. Stillbirths were reported in 0.5% (n = 6/1159; 95%CI 0.2-1.1), 2.8% (n = 6/210; 95%CI 1.0-6.0), and 0.9% (n = 2/213; 95%CI 0.1-3.4) or patients during the pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron periods respectively. Interpretation: The Delta period was associated with a higher risk of severe maternal adverse outcome and the Omicron period with a lower risk of severe adverse outcome compared to pre-Delta era. The reported risk of hospitalization was high during the Omicron period and should not be trivialized. Funding: Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Fondation CHUV.

Use of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (A-PRP) for Postpartum Perineal Repair Failure: A Case Report.

Perineal wound dehiscence is an uncommon but important postpartum complication. In many cases, it leads to extreme pain and urinary and defecation problems. For up to several weeks, it can interfere with the mother's daily activity, affecting psychosexual health and body image. The best way to manage perineal wound breakdown (resuturing vs. spontaneous closure) after childbirth remains controversial. A-PRP is the autologous human plasma containing an increased platelet concentration, rich in growth factors, and mediators with hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It accelerates the natural healing process. Even though A-PRP is widely used in orthopedics and dermatology, its use in gynecological injuries is limited. We describe here a case of a woman with postpartum perineal dehiscence treated with A-PRP with positive outcomes.

[Cytomegalovirus screening during pregnancy : an ongoing debate still in 2022]. / Dépistage du cytomégalovirus pendant la grossesse : toujours débattu en 2022.

Cytomegalovirus infection remains the main congenital infectious cause of abnormal development, notably neurological or auditory. In case of early maternal infection, vertical transmission is lower than later in pregnancy, but fetal/neonatal sequelae are more frequent and severe. Until recently, there was no available treatment to prevent transmission and complications and only preventive measures were recommended. Based on a recent literature review, we will discuss the possible indication for CMV screening before conception and/or in the first trimester of pregnancy, in order to improve patient's information, prevention and treatment.

Le cytomégalovirus constitue la première cause infectieuse congénitale d'anomalie du développement, notamment aux niveaux neurologique et auditif. En cas d'infection maternelle précoce, le risque de transmission verticale est moindre que plus tard durant la grossesse, mais les séquelles fœtales/néonatales sont plus sévères. Jusqu'à présent, il n'existait pas de traitement efficace et seules les mesures de prévention primaire permettaient de combattre cette infection. Après une revue critique de la littérature récente, nous proposons de discuter l'intérêt d'un dépistage précoce en préconceptionnel et/ou au premier trimestre de la grossesse afin de permettre la mise en place des mesures de prévention et également l'introduction d'un traitement préventif/thérapeutique si nécessaire.

[Management of maternal urologic issues during pregnancy]. / Prise en charge des pathologies urologiques maternelles durant la grossesse.

The management of urologic issues in pregnancy can be complex as the risk assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic options is often a challenge. This article aims to assist obstetrician-gynecologists and general practitioners in their follow-up of common urologic issues in pregnancy, of patients with previous urologic surgery (urinary derivation, urogenital reconstruction, etc.) or with a history of obstetrical complications (placenta percreta, urinary retention, trauma). This article will not cover urologic issues in the fetus.

La prise en charge de pathologies urologiques, même courantes, peut se révéler difficile dans le contexte de la grossesse. Le défi réside notamment dans les risques liés aux procédures d'investigation et aux options thérapeutiques pour cette population unique. Cet article a pour but d'aider les gynécologues-obstétriciens et les médecins de premiers recours dans leur prise en charge des pathologies urologiques courantes dans le contexte de la grossesse, du suivi de patientes avec des antécédents chirurgicaux urologiques (dérivation urinaire, reconstruction urogénitale, etc.) ou des complications obstétricales sur les structures urologiques (placenta percreta, rétention urinaire aiguë, trauma). Il ne traite pas des pathologies urologiques fœtales.

Transfer of antiretroviral drugs into breastmilk: a prospective study from the Swiss Mother and Child HIV Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: In 2018, Switzerland changed its guidelines to support women living with HIV wishing to breastfeed. The exposure of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in breastmilk and the ingested daily dose by the breastfed infant are understudied, notably for newer ARVs. This study aimed to quantify ARV concentrations in maternal plasma and breastmilk to determine the milk/plasma ratio, to estimate daily infant ARV dose from breastfeeding and to measure ARV concentrations in infants. METHODS: All women wishing to breastfeed were included, regardless of their ARV treatment. Breastmilk and maternal plasma samples were mostly collected at mid-dosing interval. RESULTS: Twenty-one mother/child pairs were enrolled; of those several were on newer ARVs including 10 raltegravir, 1 bictegravir, 2 rilpivirine, 2 darunavir/ritonavir and 3 tenofovir alafenamide. No vertical HIV transmission was detected (one infant still breastfed). The median milk/plasma ratios were 0.96/0.39 for raltegravir once/twice daily, 0.01 for bictegravir, 1.08 for rilpivirine, 0.12 for darunavir/ritonavir and 4.09 for tenofovir alafenamide. The median estimated infant daily dose (mg/kg) from breastfeeding was 0.02/0.25 for raltegravir once/twice daily, 0.01 for bictegravir, 0.02 for rilpivirine, 0.05 for darunavir/ritonavir and 0.007 for tenofovir alafenamide, resulting in relative infant dose <10% exposure index for all ARVs. CONCLUSIONS: ARVs were transferred to a variable extent in breastmilk. Nevertheless, the estimated daily ARV dose from breastfeeding remained low. Differential ARV exposure was observed in breastfed infants with some ARVs being below/above their effective concentrations raising the concern of resistance development if HIV infection occurs. More data on this potential risk are warranted to better support breastfeeding.

Application of Honey to Reduce Perineal Laceration Pain during the Postpartum Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Perineal lacerations affect between 35 and 85% of women during childbirth and may be responsible for postpartum pain. Honey has been demonstrated to have interesting properties that can promote wound healing. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of honey to the perineum to reduce perineal pain during the early postpartum period. A randomized controlled trial including 68 women was conducted. In the intervention group, honey was applied to perineal lacerations for four days, in addition to standard care. The control group received only standard care. The primary outcome was pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale and pain perception using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (QDSA). The secondary outcomes were a burning sensation, the use of a pain killer, and the women's satisfaction with the honey application. The intensity of pain was not significantly different between the groups on Day 1 (VAS 3.38 in the control group versus 3.34 in the intervention group, p = 0.65) or on Day 4 (VAS 2.28 versus 1.41, respectively, p = 0.09). There was no significant difference regarding the perception of pain with the QDSA. Despite this, most of the women in the intervention group (93%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the use of honey on their perineum.

Prediction of spontaneous onset of labor at term (PREDICT study): Research protocol.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that elective induction of labor versus expectant management after 39 weeks of pregnancy result in lower incidence of perinatal complications, while the proportion of cesarean deliveries remains stable, or even decreases. Still, evidence regarding collateral consequences of the potential increase of induction of labor procedures is still lacking. Also, the results of these studies must be carefully interpreted and thoroughly counter-balanced with women's thoughts and opinions regarding the active management of the last weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, it may be useful to develop a tool that aids in the decision-making process by differentiating women who will spontaneously go into labor from those who will require induction. OBJECTIVE: To develop a predictive model to calculate the probability of spontaneous onset of labor at term. METHODS: We designed a prospective national multicentric observational study including women enrolled at 39 weeks of gestation, carrying singleton pregnancies. After signing an informed consent form, several clinical, ultrasonographic, biophysical and biochemical variables will be collected by trained staff. If delivery has not occurred at 40 weeks of pregnancy, a second visit and evaluation will be performed. Prenatal care will be continued according to current hospital guidelines. Once recruitment is completed, the information gathered will be used to develop a logistic regression-based predictive model of spontaneous onset of labor between 39 and 41 weeks of gestation. A secondary exploration of the data collected at 40 weeks, as well as a survival analysis regarding time-to-delivery outcomes will also be performed. A total sample of 429 participants is needed for the expected number of events. CONCLUSION: This study aims to develop a model which may help in the decision-making process during follow-up of the last weeks of pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05109247 (clinicaltrials.gov).

COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in pregnancy: Results of the Swiss COVI-PREG registry, an observational prospective cohort study.

Background: Pregnant individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at increased risk of severe disease, prematurity, and stillbirth. In March 2021, vaccination for at risk pregnant women was recommended in Switzerland, expanding this to all pregnant women in May 2021. Our aim was to assess the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. Methods: This multicentre prospective cohort study describes early adverse events and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women who received at least one dose of mRNA vaccine between March 1st and December 27th, 2021 in Switzerland, using the COVI-PREG registry. Early adverse events were collected at least one month following vaccine administration. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were extracted from medical records using the maternity discharge letters providing follow-up information up to 5 days after birth. Findings: Of 1012 vaccinated women, 894 (88·3%) received both injections during pregnancy, with BNT162b2 (n = 271) or mRNA-1273 (n = 623) vaccines. Local events (mainly local pain) were reported in 81·3% and 80·5% after the first and second doses. Rates of systemic reactions (mainly fatigue and headache) were similar after the first dose and most frequent after the second dose of mRNA-1273. Of the 1012 women, four (0·4%; 95%CI [0·1-1·0]) severe early adverse events occurred: pulmonary embolism, preterm premature rupture of membranes, isolated fever with hospitalisation, and herpes zoster. Of 107 patients vaccinated before 14 weeks, one (0·9%; 95%CI [0·0-5·1]) early spontaneous abortions was reported (8 weeks). Of 228 vaccinated before 20 weeks one (0·4%; 95%CI [0·0-2·4]) late spontaneous abortion was reported (16 weeks). Of 513 women exposed before 37 weeks, 33 (6·4%; 95%CI [4·5-8·9]) delivered preterm. Among 530 patients exposed in pregnancy, no stillbirth was reported and 25 (4·7%; 95%CI [3·0-6·8]) neonates were admitted to intensive care unit. Interpretation: Frequent local and systemic effects were described after exposure to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy but severe events were rare. Women vaccinated during pregnancy did not experience higher adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes when compared to historical data on background risks in the obstetric population. Funding: This research was funded by a grant from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health and the CHUV Foundation.

[Pregnancy and COVID-19: drugs and vaccine guidelines in 2021]. / Gynécologie-obstétrique - Grossesse et Covid-19 : recommandations médicamenteuses et vaccinales en 2021.

During this global health crisis, COVID-19 unfortunately did not spare pregnant women, who are at greater risk of becoming infected, developing severe forms and having obstetric complications. In this article we will talk about the risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy and in particular the existing data on the drugs to be administered in the event of illness and how to avoid infection and its complications through vaccination.

Durant cette crise sanitaire mondiale, le Covid-19 n'a malheureusement pas épargné les femmes enceintes. Celles-ci sont plus à risque d'être infectées, de développer des formes sévères et d'avoir des complications obstétricales. Dans cet article, nous allons parler des risques liés au Covid-19 durant la grossesse et notamment des données existantes sur les médicaments à administrer en cas de maladie et comment éviter l'infection et ses complications grâce à la vaccination.