Plasma cell-free DNA as a monitoring tool for high-risk pregnancies associated with antiphospholipid syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Despite thromboprophylaxis, women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) face high-risk pregnancies due to proinflammatory and prothrombotic states. This highlights the need for new monitoring and prognostic tools. Recent insights into the pathophysiological role of neutrophil activation and extracellular trap (NET) formation in this syndrome led to the exploration of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA), a derivative of NETosis, as a promising biomarker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: cfDNA was isolated and quantified from plasma samples of healthy pregnant women (control group, HC) and women with APS (APS group). We assessed the physiological variability of cfDNA across the three trimesters in HC. Levels of cfDNA were compared between APS and HC by gestational trimester. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of cfDNA levels for classifying APS patients. Furthermore, cfDNA levels in pregnant women with APS with obstetric complications were compared to those from uncomplicated pregnancies. RESULTS: Among HC, cfDNA significantly increased in the third trimester compared to the first and second. Elevated cfDNA levels in APS compared to HC were observed in the first and second trimesters. First-trimester cfDNA levels demonstrated the highest classification ability to discriminate between APS and HC patients (AUC: 0.906). Among APS, those with complicated pregnancies (fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, placenta accreta) exhibited significantly elevated cfDNA levels in the second trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of cfDNA in pregnant women with APS, particularly among those with obstetric complications, supports further investigation into the potential of cfDNA as a valuable tool in the obstetric management of women with APS.

Relationship between serum uric acid, nocturnal hypertension and risk for preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancies.

To analyze the possible association between serum uric acid (SUA) and nocturnal hypertension and to evaluate the ability of these variables (alone or in combination) to predict preeclampsia (PE) we conducted a historical cohort study in 532 high-risk pregnancies. Women were divided according to SUA values and nocturnal blood pressure (BP) into four groups: 1- normal SUA and nocturnal normotension; 2- high SUA and nocturnal normotension; 3- normal SUA and nocturnal hypertension and 4- high SUA and nocturnal hypertension. High SUA was defined by the top quartile values and nocturnal hypertension as BP ≥ 120/70 mmHg, using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), during nocturnal rest. Risks for PE were compared using logistic regression. SUA had a weak but significant correlation with daytime systolic ABPM (r = 0.11, p = 0.014), daytime diastolic ABPM (r = 0.13, p = 0.004), nighttime systolic ABPM (r = 0.16, p < 0.001) and nighttime diastolic ABPM (r = 0.18, p < 0.001). Also, all ABPM values were higher in women with high SUA. The absolute risk of PE increased through groups: 6.5%, 13.1%, 31.2%, and 47.9% for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, p < 0.001. Compared with Group 1, Group 3 (OR 6.29 95%CI 3.41-11.60), but not Group 2 (OR 2.15 95%CI 0.88-5.24), had statistically significant higher risk for PE. Group 4 (women with both, high SUA and nocturnal hypertension) had the highest risk (OR 13.11 95%CI 6.69-25.70). Risks remained statistically significant after the adjustment for relevant variables. In conclusion, the combination of SUA > 4 mg/dL and nocturnal BP > 120/70 mmHg implies a very high risk to developed PE.

Relación entre niveles de vitamina D y perfil lipídico en embarazadas de alto riesgo / Relationship between level of vitamin D and lipid profile in high risk pregnant women

En la Argentina, las embarazadas presentan alta prevalencia (80%) de hipovitaminosis D y de sobrepeso u obesidad (27,4%). Ambas condiciones pueden aumentar la morbimortalidad materno-fetal. Bajos niveles de vitamina D se han relacionado con aumento del colesterol total, LDL, triglicéridos (Tg) y descenso de HDL. Objetivo: evaluar los niveles de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OHD) y su relación con el perfil lipídico en pacientes embarazadas de alto riesgo. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal entre septiembre de 2016 y abril de 2017. Se excluyeron pacientes que recibieron suplementos de vitamina D, con disfunción tiroidea no compensada, malabsorción, insuficiencia cardíaca, renal o hepática y dislipidemia familiar. Niveles circulantes de 25OHD < 30 ng/ml se consideraron hipovitaminosis. Resultados: se evaluaron 86 embarazadas de 29,3 ± 7,1 años durante la semana 28 ± 6,5. El IMC pregestacional fue 28,3 ± 6,5 kg/m2 y la ganancia de peso 7 ± 4,3 kg. Perfil lipídico: colesterol total 240 ± 54 mg/dl; LDL 156 ± 54 mg/dl; HDL 66 ± 15 mg/dl; Tg 204 ± 80 mg/dl. La media de 25OHD fue de 23,8 ± 9 ng/ml, con una prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D de 77,9 %. Las pacientes con hipovitaminosis D presentaron mayores valores de colesterol total y LDL (p < 0,05), con tendencia no significativa a presentar mayores valores de Tg. Conclusión: en embarazadas de alto riesgo se observó una alta prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D, asociada con mayores concentraciones de colesterol total y LDL. (AU)

In Argentina, pregnant women have a high prevalence (80 %) of hypovitaminosis D and verweight/obesity (27.4%), conditions that can increase maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) have been linked to an increase in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and a decrease in HDL cholesterol. Objective: to evaluate the levels of vitamin D and its relationship with the lipid profile in high risk pregnant patients. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study between September 2016 and April 2017. Patients who received vitamin D supplements or had non-compensated thyroid dysfunction, malabsorption, heart failure, renal or hepatic failure, or familial dyslipidemia were excluded. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as a circulating level of 25OHD < 30 ng/ml. Results: We assessed 86 women of 29.3 ± 7.1 years during pregnancy week 28 ± 6.5. Pre-gestational BMI was 28.3 ± 6.5 kg/m2. Their weight gain was 7 ± 4.3 kg. Lipid profile: total cholesterol 240 ± 54 mg/dl; LDL cholesterol 156 ± 54 mg/dl; HDL cholesterol 66 ± 15 mg/dL; TG 204 ± 80 mg/dl. The mean 25OHD level was 23.8 ± 9 ng/ml, with a 77.9 % prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. Patients with hypovitaminosis D had higher values of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p<0.05), and a non-significant trend toward higher triglyceridemia. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, associated with high total and LDL cholesterol was found in high risk pregnant women. (AU)

Impact of the Use of Different Diagnostic Criteria in the Prevalence of Dyslipidemia in Pregnant Women / Impacto do Uso de Diferentes Critérios Diagnósticos na Prevalência de Dislipidemia em Gestantes

Abstract Background: There is a physiologic elevation of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) during pregnancy. Some authors define dyslipidemia (DLP) in pregnant women when TC, LDL and TG concentrations are above the 95th percentile (p95%) and HDL concentration is below the 5th percentile (P5%) for gestational age (GA). Objective: To compare the prevalence of DLP in pregnant women using percentiles criteria with the V Brazilian Guidelines on Dyslipidemia and the association with maternal and fetal outcomes. Results: Pregnant women with high-risk conditions, aged 18-50 years, and at least one lipid profile during pregnancy was classified as the presence of DLP by two diagnostic criteria. Clinical and laboratorial data of mothers and newborns were evaluated. Conclusion: 433 pregnant women aged 32.9 ± 6.5 years were studied. Most (54.6%) had lipid profile collected during third trimester. The prevalence of any lipid abnormalities according to the criteria of the National Guidelines was 83.8%: TC ≥ 200 mg/dL was found in 49.9%; LDL ≥ 160 mg/dL, in 14.3%, HDL ≤ 50 mg/dL in 44.4% and TG ≥ 150 mg/dL in 65.3%. Any changes of lipid according to percentiles criteria was found in 19.6%: elevation above the P95% for TC was found in 0.7%; for LDL, 1.7%; for TG 6.4% and HDL lower than the P5% in 13%. The frequency of comorbidity: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity and preeclampsia was similar among pregnant women when DLP was compared by both criteria. Conclusion: The prevalence of DLP during pregnancy varies significantly depending on the criteria used, however none demonstrated superiority in association with comorbidities.

Resumo Fundamento: Durante a gestação ocorrem, fisiologicamente, elevações do colesterol total (CT) e triglicerídios (TG). Alguns autores definem dislipidemia (DLP) gestacional quando as concentrações de CT, LDL e TG são superiores ao percentil 95 (P95%) e de HDL, inferiores ao percentil 5 (P5%) para a idade gestacional. Objetivo: Comparar a prevalência da DLP em gestantes conforme critério por percentis com o da V Diretriz Brasileira de Dislipidemia e avaliar a associação com desfechos materno-fetais. Métodos: Gestantes com patologias de alto risco, idade entre 18 a 50 anos, e, pelo menos um perfil lipídico durante a gestação foram classificadas quanto à presença de DLP por dois critérios. Dados clínicos e laboratoriais das mães e neonatos foram avaliados. Resultados: Estudou-se 433 gestantes com idade de 32,9 ± 6,5 anos. A maioria (54,6%) teve o perfil lipídico coletado no terceiro trimestre. A prevalência de quaisquer das alterações lipídicas, conforme os critérios da Diretriz Nacional, foi de 83,8%: CT ≥ 200 mg/dL foi encontrado em 49,9%; LDL ≥ 160 mg/dL, em 14,3%, HDL ≤ 50 mg/dL em 44,4% e TG ≥ 150 mg/dL, em 65,3%. Quaisquer das alterações lipídicas pelo critério dos percentis foi encontrada em 19,6%: sendo que elevação superior ao P95% para CT foi encontrada em 0,7%; para LDL, em 1,7%; para TG, em 6,4% e inferiores ao P5% para o HDL em 13%. A frequência das comorbidades: hipertensão, diabetes, tabagismo, obesidade e pré-eclâmpsia foi semelhante entre as gestantes quando se comparou DLP pelos dois critérios. Conclusão: A prevalência de DLP na gestação variou significativamente conforme o critério utilizado, entretanto nenhum demonstrou superioridade na associação com comorbidades.

Impact of the Use of Different Diagnostic Criteria in the Prevalence of Dyslipidemia in Pregnant Women.

Background: There is a physiologic elevation of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) during pregnancy. Some authors define dyslipidemia (DLP) in pregnant women when TC, LDL and TG concentrations are above the 95th percentile (p95%) and HDL concentration is below the 5th percentile (P5%) for gestational age (GA). Objective: To compare the prevalence of DLP in pregnant women using percentiles criteria with the V Brazilian Guidelines on Dyslipidemia and the association with maternal and fetal outcomes. Results: Pregnant women with high-risk conditions, aged 18-50 years, and at least one lipid profile during pregnancy was classified as the presence of DLP by two diagnostic criteria. Clinical and laboratorial data of mothers and newborns were evaluated. Conclusion: 433 pregnant women aged 32.9 ± 6.5 years were studied. Most (54.6%) had lipid profile collected during third trimester. The prevalence of any lipid abnormalities according to the criteria of the National Guidelines was 83.8%: TC ≥ 200 mg/dL was found in 49.9%; LDL ≥ 160 mg/dL, in 14.3%, HDL ≤ 50 mg/dL in 44.4% and TG ≥ 150 mg/dL in 65.3%. Any changes of lipid according to percentiles criteria was found in 19.6%: elevation above the P95% for TC was found in 0.7%; for LDL, 1.7%; for TG 6.4% and HDL lower than the P5% in 13%. The frequency of comorbidity: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity and preeclampsia was similar among pregnant women when DLP was compared by both criteria. Conclusion: The prevalence of DLP during pregnancy varies significantly depending on the criteria used, however none demonstrated superiority in association with comorbidities.

Fundamento: Durante a gestação ocorrem, fisiologicamente, elevações do colesterol total (CT) e triglicerídios (TG). Alguns autores definem dislipidemia (DLP) gestacional quando as concentrações de CT, LDL e TG são superiores ao percentil 95 (P95%) e de HDL, inferiores ao percentil 5 (P5%) para a idade gestacional. Objetivo: Comparar a prevalência da DLP em gestantes conforme critério por percentis com o da V Diretriz Brasileira de Dislipidemia e avaliar a associação com desfechos materno-fetais. Métodos: Gestantes com patologias de alto risco, idade entre 18 a 50 anos, e, pelo menos um perfil lipídico durante a gestação foram classificadas quanto à presença de DLP por dois critérios. Dados clínicos e laboratoriais das mães e neonatos foram avaliados. Resultados: Estudou-se 433 gestantes com idade de 32,9 ± 6,5 anos. A maioria (54,6%) teve o perfil lipídico coletado no terceiro trimestre. A prevalência de quaisquer das alterações lipídicas, conforme os critérios da Diretriz Nacional, foi de 83,8%: CT ≥ 200 mg/dL foi encontrado em 49,9%; LDL ≥ 160 mg/dL, em 14,3%, HDL ≤ 50 mg/dL em 44,4% e TG ≥ 150 mg/dL, em 65,3%. Quaisquer das alterações lipídicas pelo critério dos percentis foi encontrada em 19,6%: sendo que elevação superior ao P95% para CT foi encontrada em 0,7%; para LDL, em 1,7%; para TG, em 6,4% e inferiores ao P5% para o HDL em 13%. A frequência das comorbidades: hipertensão, diabetes, tabagismo, obesidade e pré-eclâmpsia foi semelhante entre as gestantes quando se comparou DLP pelos dois critérios. Conclusão: A prevalência de DLP na gestação variou significativamente conforme o critério utilizado, entretanto nenhum demonstrou superioridade na associação com comorbidades.

Gestational angiogenic biomarker patterns in high risk preeclampsia groups.

OBJECTIVE: Several conditions are associated with increased preeclampsia (PE) risk. Whether altered maternal angiogenic factor levels contribute to risk in these conditions is unknown. Our objective was to compare angiogenic biomarker patterns in high-risk pregnancies and low-risk controls. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a planned secondary analysis of a 2-center observational study of angiogenic biomarkers in high-risk women. A total of 156 pregnant women with a PE risk factor and 59 low-risk controls were studied. Serial maternal serum samples were collected during 3 gestational windows: 23-27 weeks, 28-31 weeks, and 32-35 weeks. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), soluble endoglin (sEng), and placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Geometric mean angiogenic biomarker levels and angiogenic ratio (sFlt1 + sEng):PlGF were compared with low-risk controls for each risk group, at each gestational window. RESULTS: Gestational biomarker patterns differed in PE risk groups as compared with low-risk controls. Women with multiple gestations had markedly higher sFlt1 and sEng at all gestational windows. Women with prior PE had higher sFlt1 and angiogenic ratio, and lower PlGF, from 28 weeks onward. Women with chronic hypertension had significantly higher angiogenic ratio for all 3 gestational windows, but differences disappeared when women with PE were excluded. Obese and nulliparous women had significantly lower PlGF, but no differences in the angiogenic ratio. CONCLUSION: High-risk groups have altered angiogenic biomarker patterns compared with controls, suggesting that altered production or metabolism of these factors may contribute to PE risk, particularly in women with multiple gestations and prior PE.

Detección de marcadores parasitarios y virales en embarazadas adolescentes y sus recién nacidos de riesgo / Detection of parasitary and viral markers in pregnant adolescent women and their newborns in risk

Las embarazadas adolescentes constituirían por su condición etárea una población de alto riesgo de infección por agentes relevantes en el binomio madre-hijo. Se investigó en 139 embarazadas adolescentes, la prevalencia de anticuerpos anti Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi, Virus hepatitis B (VHB), citomegalovirus (CMV), Virus rubéola (VR) y Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), así como la presencia de marcadores de infección en sus recién nacidos (RN) de riesgo. Se utilizaron las técnicas de Sabin y Feldman, fijación del complemento, ELISA, hemoaglutinación indirecta y xenodiagnóstico. Se detectó 30.9 por ciento de seropositivas para T. gondii, siendo estas madres y sus RN IgM negativos. Se detectaron dos madres con Acs anti T. cruzi (1.4 por ciento) y uno de los RN presentaba parásitos circulantes. En relación al estudio virológico, se detectó un 93,5 por ciento de madres seropositivas para CMV siendo sus RN IgM negativos, un 90,6 por ciento de las adolescentes eran antirrubéola positivas y se detectó un caso de adolescentes positiva para VIH. Las prevalencias establecidas en este grupo de embarazadas, no son significativamente diferentes a las encontradas en la población general de embarazadas

Flujo sanguíneo en la arteria umbilical en fetos con retardo de crecimiento intrauterino / Blood flow in umbilical artery in fetus with intrauterine growth retardation

Muchos trabajos de velocimetría de flujo Doppler en arteria umbilical muestran alteración de las ondas de flujo asociada con malos resultados perinatales en casos con RCF. En este estudio se evaluaron 74 fetos con retardo de crecimiento con Doppler en la arteria umbilical, observándose que los 65 casos que mostraron flujo presente en diástole, tuvieron buen resultado perinatal, independiente de los resultados de distintos índices. Por el contrario, aquellos que presentaron flujo ausente y reverso en diástole, se correlacionaron con necesidad de intervención obstétrica, bajo peso del RN, complicaciones neonatales y mortalidad perinatal. Se propone que en fetos con retardo de crecimiento, la monitorización con Doppler en la arteria umbilical, es un buen método para reconocer a los que presentan hipoxia

Estudios epidemiológicos en los SILAIS en Nicaragua / Epidemiological studies on the SILAIS

Contiene 6 investigaciones realizadas por epidemiólogos de los SILAIS de Nicaragua: 1) TRATAMIENTO HOSPITALARIO DE LA MALARIA EN LAS EMBARAZADAS Y PUERPERAS MANAGUA,NICARAGUA. 2) PERFIL CLINICO DE LA MALARIA EN NICARAGUA: DICIEMBRE 1992/JUNIO DE 12993. 3) PRESENCIA DE TRIATOMINOS EN EL SILAIS CENTRAL DE MANAGUA: OCTUBRE 1992/ENERO 1993. 4) EFICACIA TERAPEUTICA AL ESQUEÑA ANTIMALARICO CLASICO EN PACIENTES CON MALARIA POR EL P.FALCIPARUM EN EL HSOPITAL "JACINNTO HERNANDEZ", NUEVA GUINEA, CHONTALES NICARAGUA, 1992. 5) MANEJO DE PACIENTES CON MALARIA EN EL HOSPITAL REGIONAL "SANDINO" BLUEFILDS, NICARAGUA: 1987/1992. 6) CUMPLIMIENTO HOSPITALARIO DE LAS NORMAS DE CONTROL DE LA TUBERCULOSIS EN MANAGUA, NICARAGUA: 1991/1992. Se realizan a partir del desarrollo de las políticas nacionales de salud, basados en la descentralización de los programas específicos de prevención y control de la malaria y otras ETV y su integración a los SILOS, se identificó la necesidad de realizar un conjunto de actividades conteneidas en etapas cuyo objetivo es proporcionar los elementos dedesarrollo para la capacidad resolutiva de los servicios locales. Los estudios contenidos en el presente documento fueron realizados como parte de la cooperación de la Representación de OPS/OMS en Nicaragua y desarrollados técnicamente con el Programa Regionasl de Enfermedades transmisibles, en el marco del Proyecto de Cooperación OPS/ASDI para el control de la malaria y de otras enfermedades transmisibles.