Wound Microbiota and Its Impact on Wound Healing.

Wound healing is a complex process influenced by age, systemic conditions, and local factors. The wound microbiota's crucial role in this process is gaining recognition. This concise review outlines wound microbiota impacts on healing, emphasizing distinct phases like hemostasis, inflammation, and cell proliferation. Inflammatory responses, orchestrated by growth factors and cytokines, recruit neutrophils and monocytes to eliminate pathogens and debris. Notably, microbiota alterations relate to changes in wound healing dynamics. Commensal bacteria influence immune responses, keratinocyte growth, and blood vessel development. For instance, Staphylococcus epidermidis aids keratinocyte progression, while Staphylococcus aureus colonization impedes healing. Other bacteria like Group A Streptococcus spp. And Pseudomonas affect wound healing as well. Clinical applications of microbiota-based wound care are promising, with probiotics and specific bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii aiding tissue repair through molecule secretion. Understanding microbiota influence on wound healing offers therapeutic avenues. Tailored approaches, including probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics, can manipulate the microbiota to enhance immune modulation, tissue repair, and inflammation control. Despite progress, critical questions linger. Determining the ideal microbiota composition for optimal wound healing, elucidating precise influence mechanisms, devising effective manipulation strategies, and comprehending the intricate interplay between the microbiota, host, and other factors require further exploration.

Emergency cerclage using double-level versus single-level suture in the management of cervical insufficiency (Cervical Occlusion double-level Stitch Application, COSA): study protocol for a multicentre, non-blinded, randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical insufficiency accounts for 15% of recurrent pregnancy losses between 16 and 28 weeks of gestation. The aim of the study is to verify the effectiveness of emergency double-level cerclage with vaginal progesterone in cervical insufficiency treatment in terms of the prevention of preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This trial is a multicentre, non-blinded, randomised study with 1:1 allocation ratio. The study is conducted at tertiary perinatal care departments in Poland. It will include patients with cervical insufficiency with the fetal membranes visible in the open cervical canal or protruding into the vagina between 16+0 and 23+6 weeks of pregnancy. They will be randomised into two arms: emergency single-level cerclage with vaginal progesterone or double-level cerclage with vaginal progesterone. All will be administered antibiotics and indomethacin. The primary outcome is the rate of deliveries below 34+0 weeks of gestation, while secondary outcomes include gestational age at delivery, neonatal outcomes, maternal outcomes according to the Core Outcome Set for Evaluation of Interventions to Prevent Preterm Birth and cerclage procedure complications. The planned number of participants according to the power analysis is 78. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol was written in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials statement. It was created according to the requirements of the Declaration of Helsinki for Medical Research involving Human Subject. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (no. 1/2022). The study protocol was approved and published by ClinicalTrials.gov (posted on 24 February 2022). All participants gave a written informed consent. After completion of the study its results will be published in a peer-reviewed English language journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05268640.

Atypical Preeclampsia before 20 Weeks of Gestation-A Systematic Review.

This systematic review was conducted to gather evidence of preeclampsia occurring before the 20th week of gestation, additionally considering the role of PLGF and sFlt-1 in the development of the disease. In the three cases of preeclampsia before the 20th week of gestation presented in the authors' material, all pregnancies ended up with IUFD, and the SFlt-1/PLGF ratios were significantly elevated in all women. Eligible publications were identified with searches in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. No date or language restrictions were made. All original peer-reviewed scientific reports were included. A total of 30 publications were included in the final report, including case reports and case series. No other publication types regarding this issue were identified. In the literature, 34 cases of preeclampsia with onset occurring before the 20th week of gestation were identified, for a final total of 37 cases. Live births were reported in 5 cases (10.52%), and there were 9 intrauterine fetal demises (24.32%), and 23 terminations of pregnancy (62.16%). Preeclampsia before the 20th week of gestation is rare but can occur. We collected all available evidence regarding this phenomenon, with 37 cases reported worldwide. We call for large-scale cohort or register-based studies to establish revised definitions or develop new ones regarding the currently unrecognized very early onset preeclampsia.

Intrapartum cardiotocography in pregnancies with and without fetal CHD.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common inherited abnormalities. Intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG) is still considered a "gold standard" during labor. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the interpretation of intrapartum CTG in fetuses with CHD. Therefore, the study aimed to compare intrapartum CTG in normal fetuses and fetuses with CHD and describe the association between CTG and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: The present study is a retrospective analysis of the CTG of 395 fetuses. There were three study groups: Group 1: 185 pregnancies with a prenatal diagnosis of CHD, Group 2: 132 high-risk pregnancies without CHD, and Group 3: 78 low-risk pregnancies without CHD. RESULTS: Abnormal CTG was present statistically OR=3.4 (95%CI: 1.61-6.95) more often in Group 1. The rate of the emergency CS was higher in this group OR=3 (95%CI: 1.3-3.1). Fetuses with CHD and abnormal CTG were more often scored ≤7 Apgar, with no difference in acidemia. The multivariate regression model for Group 1 does not show clinical differences between Apgar scores or CTG assessment in neonatal acidemia prediction. CONCLUSIONS: CTG in fetuses with CHD should be interpreted individually according to the type of CHD and conduction abnormalities. Observed abnormalities in CTG are associated with the fetal heart defect itself. Preterm delivery and rapid cesarean delivery lead to a higher rate of neonatal complications. Health practitioners should consider this fact during decision-making regarding delivery in cases complicated with fetal cardiac problems.

Large-for-gestational-age or macrosomia as a classifier for risk of adverse perinatal outcome: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses and neonates are of great interest, while those who are too big are much less studied. The aim was to analyze the classifiers described by ACOG "Fetal macrosomia" practice bulletin as predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes for overgrown fetuses and their mothers. MATERIALS: From a database of 53,586 singleton term births, appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA), large for gestational age (LGA), and macrosomic deliveries were selected. AGA served as a control. The crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated for large-for-gestational-age >90th centile, and macrosomia >4000 g, >4250 g, and >4500 g. Patients with and without diabetes were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Macrosomia >4000 g performed poorer than other classifiers. LGA performed comparably to other definitions of macrosomia. Diabetes carries a severe risk of complications for overgrown neonates, but those non-diabetic also have increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: Definition of macrosomia as weight >4000 g should be reconsidered. LGA >90th centile should be used as a definition of fetal overgrowth along with other definitions of macrosomia.

Growth Abnormalities as a Risk Factor of Adverse Neonatal Outcome in Hypertensive Pregnancies-A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) include gestational hypertension (GH), chronic hypertension (CH), preeclampsia (PE), and preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (CH with PE). HDP is associated with several short and long-term perinatal and neonatal complications, such as newborn growth restriction and death. This study aimed to establish the association between HDP, newborn growth abnormalities, and neonatal outcome. (2) Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of 63651 singleton deliveries. (3) Results: Univariate analysis showed a significantly increased risk of intrauterine and neonatal death associated with maternal hypertension and growth disorders. There were differences between growth charts used, with the highest risk of stillbirth for SGA defined by the Intergrowth chart (OR 17.2) and neonatal death for newborn growth restriction (NGR) based on Intergrowth (OR 19.1). Multivariate analysis showed that NGR is a stronger risk factor of neonatal death than SGA only. (4) Conclusions: HDP is significantly associated with growth abnormalities and is an independent risk factor of adverse outcomes. The presence of newborn growth restriction is strongly associated with the risk of neonatal death. The choice of growth chart has a substantial effect on the percentage of diagnosis of SGA and NGR.

Fetal Growth Acceleration-Current Approach to the Big Baby Issue.

Background and Objectives: Fetal overgrowth is related to many perinatal complications, including stillbirth, cesarean section, maternal and neonatal injuries, and shoulder dystocia. It is related to maternal diabetes, obesity, and gestational weight gain but also happens in low-risk pregnancies. There is ongoing discussion regarding definitions, methods of detection, and classification. The method used for detection is crucial as it draws a line between those at risk and low-risk popula-tions. Materials and Methods: For this narrative review, relevant evidence was identified through PubMed search with one of the general terms (macrosomia, large-for-gestational-age) combined with the outcome of interest. Results: This review summarizes evidence on the relation of fetal overgrowth with stillbirth, cesarean sections, shoulder dystocia, anal sphincter injury, and hem-orrhage. Customized growth charts help to detect mothers and fetuses at risk of those complica-tions. Relations between fetal overgrowth and diabetes, maternal weight, and gestational weight gain were investigated. Conclusions: a substantial proportion of complications are an effect of the fetus growing above its potential and should be recognized as a new dangerous condition of Fetal Growth Acceleration.

Compliance with gestational weight gain recommendations in a cross-sectional study of term pregnancies - how far reality falls from the standard?

OBJECTIVES: During pregnancy, two aspects are critical in the context of adverse perinatal outcomes (APO): preconception obesity and gestational weight gain. This study aimed to assess compliance with the 2009 IOM guidelines, compare GWG with and without correcting for gestation duration, and observe the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG and neonatal birth weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from 2015-2018 at the St. Sophia's Specialist Hospital in Warsaw, Poland. Self-reported pre-pregnancy and predelivery weight were collected. RESULTS: The presented data set amounts to 7820 records. Analysis of weight gain compliance with IOM recommendations showed that only 41-44% (depending on the calculation method) of women had weight gain in accordance with IOM guidelines (22-23% - below; 33-37% - above). Overweight and obese women with diabetes are more likely to comply with IOM than women without diabetes. In contrast, women with normal-weight and underweight with diabetes are less likely to achieve IOM weight gain in pregnancy than women without diabetes. Women who have GWG below recommendations significantly more often gave birth to SGA neonates, and women who exceeded GWG standards significantly more often gave birth to LGA neonates. CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of women had GWG within the recommended norms. Statistically significant differences were found in methods of calculation of GWG, but it was not found clinically significant. Correction for pregnancy duration when calculating GWG reclassifies two percent of patients. We underestimate the risk of crossing the line between overweight and obesity during pregnancy.

Fetal Growth Diagnosis and Management among Perinatal Medical Professionals: A Survey of Practice and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: This paper aimed to assess the knowledge of healthcare professionals (obstetric and gynecology residents, specialists, and midwives) in the field of perinatal medicine regarding fetal growth diagnosis and management. METHODS: A questionnaire was created consisting of a set of questions regarding demographic data, methods of growth assessment, and management. It was a handout survey. The results were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics and χ2 analysis using the program Statistica. RESULTS: 190 medical professionals have participated in the questionnaire. 86.3% of respondents agreed that pregnancy dating should be modified based on first-trimester ultrasound. 90.9% agreed that III trimester ultrasound has a ±15% margin of error. When asked which growth charts are best fit for assessing growth in a studied population, 10.7% marked standard, 37.4% reference, 26.2% customized, and 26.2% did not know the difference between the three choices. 60.3% stated that they use a growth chart to assess growth and qualify fetuses for monitoring. 70.2% used the 10th centile as a cutoff, 20.1% 5th centile, and 9.7% 3rd centile. Only 40.9% would diagnose fetal growth restriction based on fetal weight only. 28.7% using the 10th centile cutoff, 16.1% 5th centile, and 54.0% 3rd centile. Only a quarter of the respondents were able to name the growth chart or tool that they use for assessment. The most common responses were Yudkin, Hadlock, and online calculators of Fetal Medicina Barcelona and the Fetal Medicine Foundation. DISCUSSION: A lot of confusion is observed primarily in the aspect of cutoff values for identification, subsequent monitoring, and management of fetal growth restriction. There is a need for extensive training and education in this field and uniform national recommendations.

A unique case of diagnosis of a heterotopic pregnancy at 26 weeks - case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is a rare condition when at least two pregnancies are present simultaneously at different implantation sites and only one located in the uterine cavity. The majority of cases are diagnosed in the first trimester. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a unique case of HP diagnosed at 26 weeks of spontaneous pregnancy in a patient without any relevant risk factors. We performed an extensive review of HP cases from MEDLINE (PUBMED) published in English between 2005-2019 to prove this case's uniqueness. A 24-year-old woman presented because of threatened preterm birth. Despite treatment, pain aggravated, without progression of labor. An emergency ultrasound exam revealed free fluid in the abdominal cavity. Suspicion of active bleeding prompted the medical team to perform an exploratory laparotomy. The surgery team found a ruptured heterotopic pregnancy. This was an unexpected cause of nontraumatic hemoperitoneum at such advanced gestational age. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the intrauterine pregnancy continued to term. The final review included 86 out of 124 records. A total number of 509 cases were identified, but not all of them had complete data. The maximum reported gestational age at the time of diagnosis was 16 weeks of pregnancy, while our case became symptomatic and was diagnosed at 26 weeks of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of pregnancy age, HP can be a cause of hemoperitoneum, and it should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in the second trimester.

Growth charts and prediction of abnormal growth - what is known, what is not known and what is misunderstood.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of fetal growth has an important effect on perinatal morbidity and mortality. To understand what tool to choose best for a given population a basic knowledge of how growth charts are developed and used has to be acquired. For this reason, this literature review was performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An extensive literature review aimed at identifying articles related to the development of growth assessment in both spectrums of abnormal fetal growth - large and small. The analyzed articles were chosen and presented to show both the historical aspects of growth assessment, current trends and future considerations. RESULTS: Identification of both large and small fetuses and neonates is equally crucial. Definitions and methodology vary worldwide and there is an ongoing discussion on the best tool to choose for a given population. An important part of the debate is how to differentiate between the physiologically small fetus and the truly growth restricted fetus who is at risk of perinatal complication. Similarly, the diagnosis of a large fetus is important in prevention of perinatal complications and surgical deliveries. Many clinical settings still lack growth standards. CONCLUSIONS: Birthweight for gestational age charts are biased for weight in preterm birth. Prediction and management of outcome cannot be based solely on fetal size. Small is not the only problem, we have to think large as well. A common misunderstanding in clinical practice is not using uniform charts in defining growth.