Doppler abnormalities and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with early-onset fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Doppler alterations and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women who evolved with early- and late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS: A retrospective, observational cohort study with pregnant women who evolved with FGR treated between January 2018 and April 2019, in which all live births from singleton pregnancies, over 24 weeks, with FGR ultrasound diagnosis and under 2700 g weight were included in the study. RESULTS: Pregnancies with early-onset FGR were more associated with hypertensive disorders (p = .00) and placental vascular insufficiency, resulting in a high degree of umbilical artery Doppler involvement (p = .00) in a short period of pregnancy and higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes (p = .00). The time of prenatal follow-up of early- and late-onset FGR cases was similar, but the degree of prematurity of the former made the evolution more unfavorable. CONCLUSION: Early-onset FGR had a lower prevalence but was associated with higher maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality than late-onset FGR.

Rotura uterina: da suspeita ao tratamento / Uterine rupture: from suspicion to treatment

A rotura uterina durante a gravidez ou trabalho de parto é uma grave complicação obstétrica ainda responsável por elevada morbimortalidade materna e perinatal. É importante o diagnóstico diferencial de outras hemorragias da segunda metade da gravidez, como o descolamento prematuro da placenta e a placenta prévia. O diagnóstico é feito baseado em uma associação de sinais bem comuns da rotura uterina. O tratamento sempre é cirúrgico, mas varia de acordo com a classificação da emergência. A prevenção é realizada por meio da atenção obstétrica cuidadosa e com implementação das boas práticas de assistência ao parto.(AU)

Uterine rupture during pregnancy or labor is a serious obstetric complication still responsible for high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Differential diagnosis of other hemorrhages in the second half of pregnancy, such as placental abruption and placenta previa, is important. The diagnosis is made based on an association of very common signs of uterine rupture. Treatment is always surgical but varies according to the classification of the emergency. Prevention is carried out through careful obstetric care and the implementation of good childbirth care practices.(AU)

Continuation and satisfaction with intrauterine copper device inserted during caesarean delivery.

PURPOSE: The objective was to assess the continuation and satisfaction of women who had copper IUDs inserted during caesarean delivery, in addition to possible factors associated with device positioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, observational study was carried out involving 158 women who underwent copper IUD insertion during caesarean delivery in Fortaleza, Brazil. The women were followed up 6 weeks and 6 months after insertion of the IUD, at which time they completed a satisfaction questionnaire. We performed speculum and ultrasound examination. RESULTS: IUD continuation rates after 6 weeks and 6 months were 92% and 71.5%, respectively. Approximately 85% and 76% of the women were satisfied with the method after 6 weeks and 6 months, respectively. The rate of poor positioning on ultrasound was 5% and the rate of visible thread after 6 weeks was 29.1%, both without association with age, parity, gestational age or active labour. There were 2 cases of infection (1.3%) and no cases of perforation or pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: There was a good rate of continuation and satisfaction with the immediate post-caesarean IUD. There was no association between IUD malpositioning and age, parity, gestational age or active labour.

Gestational Outcomes in Patients with Severe Maternal Morbidity Caused by Hypertensive Syndromes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of the presence of criteria for severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss associated with hypertensive disorders on maternal and perinatal outcomes in a maternity school. METHODS: The present is a sub-analysis of a larger study involving 27 centers in Brazil that estimated the prevalence of serious maternal morbidity and near miss. It is an analytical and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, involving 928 women who were cared for at Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand (MEAC, in Portuguese), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC, in Portuguese), from July 2009 to June 2010. The women were diagnosed with near miss according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The sample was divided into 2 groups: patients with (n = 827) and without hypertension (n = 101). The results were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. The Pearson chi-squared and Fisher Exact tests were used for the categorical variables, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for the continuous variables. RESULTS: In total, 51 participants with maternal near miss criteria were identified, and 36 of them had hypertensive disorders. Of these, 5 died and were obviously excluded from the near miss final group. In contrast, we observed 867 cases with non-near miss maternal morbidity criteria. During this period, there were 4,617 live births (LBs) in the institution that was studied. CONCLUSION: In the severe morbidity/maternal near miss population, the presence of hypertensive complications was prevalent, constituting a risk factor for both the mother and the fetus.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da presença de critérios de morbidade materna grave e potencial evento adverso materno associados a distúrbios hipertensivos nos desfechos maternos e perinatais em uma maternidade escola. MéTODOS: Trata-se de uma subanálise de um estudo maior, envolvendo 27 centros, que estimou a prevalência de morbidade materna grave e potencial evento adverso no Brasil. Realizou-se um estudo analítico e transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, envolvendo 928 mulheres atendidas na Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand (MEAC), na Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), no período de julho de 2009 a junho de 2010, diagnosticadas com potencial evento adverso de acordo com os critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: pacientes com (n = 827) e sem hipertensão (n = 101). Os resultados foram considerados estatisticamente significativos quando p < 0,05. O teste do Qui-quadrado de Pearson e o teste exato de Fisher foram usados para as variáveis categóricas, e o teste U de Mann-Whitney, para as variáveis contínuas. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 51 participantes com critérios de potencial evento adverso materno, sendo 36 mulheres com distúrbios hipertensivos. Destas, 5 morreram e foram obviamente excluídas do grupo final do potencial evento adverso. Foram observados 867 casos com critérios de morbidade materna que não caracterizavam potencial evento adverso. Nesse período, houve 4.617 nascidos vivos (NVs) na instituição estudada. CONCLUSãO: Na população com morbidade grave/potencial evento adversomaterno, a presença de complicações hipertensivas é prevalente, constituindo fator de risco para o binômio materno-fetal.

Perspectives of healthcare workers on the morality of abortion: a multicenter study in seven Brazilian public hospitals.

We used the questionnaire "Mosaic of Opinions on Induced Abortion" to conduct a multi-centered study to evaluate the perspectives of physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists and pharmacists on the morality of abortion. In all, 254 participants constituted the sample. The inadequate knowledge on Brazilian abortion laws was the only determinant negatively associated with the construct "Sexual and Reproductive Rights", corroborating the hypothesis that a better understanding of abortion legislation could mitigate the opposition of some professionals to the ethical perspective that access to safe abortion should be seen as a sexual and reproductive right.

Pregnancies with an outcome of fetal death present higher risk of delays in obstetric care: A case-control study.

The objective of this study was identify the association between delays in the care provided to pregnant women and the fetal death outcome, in a tertiary reference maternity hospital in the Northeastern Brazil. A case-control study, with 72 cases of fetal death and 144 controls (live births) in women admitted to the Obstetrics Service of the Assis Chateaubriand Teaching Maternity Hospital, in Fortaleza, Ceará. Controls were matched (2:1) by the approximate gestational age of the case. The groups were compared using the three delays model of obstetric care. The Pearson's Chi-square test and the Fisher's exact test were used to compare the groups. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Group with fetal death had a smaller number of prenatal consultations (> 6 consultations: 27.8% in cases, 40.3% in controls, p = 0.003), less risk classification of pregnancy (41.7% vs 55.9%, p = 0.048), less guidance about the health facility for delivery (44.5% vs 64%, p = 0.009), lower frequency of cesarean sections (25.4% vs 65.7%) and higher frequency of hemorrhagic syndromes (33.3% vs 19.4%, p = 0.024) and syphilis (15.3% vs 4.2%, p = 0·004). Variables that persisted significantly associated with fetal death in the logistic regression were: Refusal of assistance (OR = 4.07, IC 95%: 1.08-15.3), Absence or inadequacy of prenatal care (OR = 2.69, IC 95%: 1.07-6.75), Delay in diagnosis (OR = 10.3, IC 95%: 2.58-41.4) and Inadequate patient conduct (OR = 4.88; IC 95%: 1.43-16.6). Despite of having a higher frequency of obstetric complications, gestations with fetal death are more prone to delays in obstetric care.

Assessment of Sensitivity and Specificity of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of placenta accreta in patients with placenta previa. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 37 women, and was conducted between January 2013 and October 2015; 16 out of the 37 women suffered from placenta accreta. Histopathology was considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of placenta accreta; in its absence, a description of the intraoperative findings was used. The associations among the variables were investigated using the Pearson chi-squared test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 31.8 ± 7.3 years, the mean number of pregnancies was 2.8 ± 1.1, the mean number of births was 1.4 ± 0.7, and the mean number of previous cesarean sections was 1.2 ± 0.8. Patients with placenta accreta had a higher frequency of history of cesarean section than those without it (63.6% versus 36.4% respectively; p < 0.001). The mean gestational age at birth among women diagnosed with placenta previa accreta was 35.4 ± 1.1 weeks. The mean birth weight was 2,635.9 ± 374.1 g. The sensitivity of the ultrasound was 87.5%, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 65.1%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 75.0%. The sensitivity of the magnetic resonance imaging was 92.9%, with a PPV of 76.5%, and a NPV of 75.0%. The kappa coefficient of agreement between the 2 tests was 0.69 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: (0.26-1.00). CONCLUSION: The ultrasound and the magnetic resonance imaging showed similar sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of placenta accreta.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar a sensibilidade e especificidade da ultrassonografia e da ressonância magnética no diagnóstico do acretismo placentário em pacientes com placenta prévia. MéTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 37 mulheres, sendo 16 com acretismo placentário, realizado de janeiro de 2013 a outubro de 2015. Considerou-se padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico de acretismo placentário o exame anatomopatológico, sendo que, na sua ausência, a descrição do achado intraoperatório. As associações entre variáveis foram investigadas utilizando o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e o teste U de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 31,8 ± 7,3 anos, o número médio de gestações foi de 2,8 ± 1,1, o número médio da quantidade de partos foi de 1,4 ± 0,7, e o número médio de cesáreas prévias foi de 1,2 ± 0,8. O grupo do acretismo placentário apresentou antecedente de cesariana mais frequentemente do que o grupo sem acretismo (63,6% versus 36,4%, respectivamente; p < 0,001). A idade gestacional no parto em mulheres com diagnóstico de placenta prévia com acretismo foi de 35,4 ± 1,1 semanas. O peso ao nascer médio foi de 2.635,9 ± 374,1 g. A sensibilidade do ultrassom foi de 87,5%, com valor preditivo positivo (VPP) de 65,1%, e valor preditivo negativo (VPN) de 75,0%. Para a ressonância magnética, a sensibilidade foi de 92,9%, com VPP de 76,5% e VPN de 75,0%. O índice kappa para concordância entre os dois testes foi de 0,69 (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 0,26­1,00). CONCLUSãO: O ultrassom e a ressonância magnética apresentaram sensibilidade e especificidade semelhantes no diagnóstico do acretismo placentário.

Measurement properties of the questionnaire "Mosaic of opinions on induced abortion": a multicenter study in seven Brazilian hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: In Brasil, abortion is legal in cases of rape, when there is a risk of maternal death, and in cases of fetal anencephaly. However, the literature reports that some doctors refuse to care for women with such demands or come to perform it in a discriminatory manner. Pretest, test and evaluate the measurement properties of the "Mosaic of Opinions on Induced Abortion," a questionnaire developed to investigate the perspectives of Brazilian healthcare professionals about the morality of abortion. METHODS: Firstly, the questionnaire was pretested in an intentional sample of specialists. Secondly, it was tested in a randomized sample of 32 healthcare professionals. Finally, we conducted a multi-center study in seven university hospitals to evaluate the measurement properties of the questionnaire. RESULTS: Combined samples of the three phases totalized 430 individuals. In pretest and test, all the evaluated aspects obtained satisfactory results. In the multicenter phase, confirmatory factorial analysis led to an important reduction of the questionnaire, which also obtained good indicators of reliability, beyond the validation of construct and criteria. CONCLUSION: Questionnaire has been validated and is suitable for use in other surveys in Brasil.

Measurement properties of the questionnaire "Mosaic of opinions on induced abortion": a multicenter study in seven Brazilian hospitals

SUMMARY In Brasil, abortion is legal in cases of rape, when there is a risk of maternal death, and in cases of fetal anencephaly. However, the literature reports that some doctors refuse to care for women with such demands or come to perform it in a discriminatory manner. OBJECTIVE: Pretest, test and evaluate the measurement properties of the "Mosaic of Opinions on Induced Abortion," a questionnaire developed to investigate the perspectives of Brazilian healthcare professionals about the morality of abortion. METHODS: Firstly, the questionnaire was pretested in an intentional sample of specialists. Secondly, it was tested in a randomized sample of 32 healthcare professionals. Finally, we conducted a multi-center study in seven university hospitals to evaluate the measurement properties of the questionnaire. RESULTS: Combined samples of the three phases totalized 430 individuals. In pretest and test, all the evaluated aspects obtained satisfactory results. In the multicenter phase, confirmatory factorial analysis led to an important reduction of the questionnaire, which also obtained good indicators of reliability, beyond the validation of construct and criteria. CONCLUSION: Questionnaire has been validated and is suitable for use in other surveys in Brasil.

RESUMO RESUMO: No Brasil, o aborto induzido é permitido por lei em casos de estupro, risco de morte para a gestante e anencefalia fetal. Entretanto, a literatura relata que alguns médicos recusam atender mulheres com tais demandas, ou o fazem de maneira discriminatória. OBJETIVO: Pré-testar, testar e avaliar as propriedades da medida do "Mosaico de opiniões sobre o aborto induzido", um questionário para investigar as perspectivas de profissionais da saúde brasileiros sobre a moralidade do aborto. MÉTODOS: Primeiro, o questionário foi pré-testado em uma amostra intencional de especialistas. Em segundo lugar, foi testado em uma amostra aleatória de 32 profissionais da saúde. Finalmente, conduziu-se um estudo multicêntrico em sete hospitais universitários para avaliar as propriedades da medida do questionário. RESULTADOS: Combinadas, as amostras das três fases totalizaram 430 sujeitos. No pré-teste e no teste, todos os aspectos avaliados obtiveram resultados satisfatórios. Na fase multicêntrica, a análise fatorial confirmatória levou a uma importante redução do questionário, que também obteve bons indicadores de confiabilidade, além da validade de construto e de critério. CONCLUSÕES: O questionário foi validado e encontra-se apto para ser utilizado em outras pesquisas no Brasil.

Presumed Zika virus-related congenital brain malformations: the spectrum of CT and MRI findings in fetuses and newborns.

OBJECTIVE: The new epidemic of Zika virus infection raises grave concerns, especially with the increasingly-recognized link between emerging cases of microcephaly and this infectious disease. Besides small cranial dimensions, there are striking morphologic anomalies in the fetal brain. Key anomalies include cortical developmental malformations and a peculiar distribution of pathologic calcifications. These potentially indicate a new pattern of congenital central nervous system infection. METHODS: Eight women underwent fetal MRI. Four infants also underwent postnatal CT. Five of the women underwent amniocentesis. RESULTS: All neonates were born with microcephaly. On fetal MRI, ventriculomegaly, marked reduction of white matter thickness, severe sylvian fissure simplification, abnormal sulcation, and diffuse volumetric loss of cerebellar hemispheres were consistently seen. On postnatal CT, diffuse subcortical and basal ganglia calcifications were observed. The Zika virus was detected in two amniocenteses by polymerase chain reaction assays. CONCLUSION: We hope to assist the medical community in recognizing the spectrum of encephalic changes related to congenital Zika virus infection.

Presumed Zika virus-related congenital brain malformations: the spectrum of CT and MRI findings in fetuses and newborns / Malformações congênitas do encéfalo presumivelmente relacionadas ao Zika vírus: espectro de achados de RM e TC em fetos e neonatos

ABSTRACT The new epidemic of Zika virus infection raises grave concerns, especially with the increasingly-recognized link between emerging cases of microcephaly and this infectious disease. Besides small cranial dimensions, there are striking morphologic anomalies in the fetal brain. Key anomalies include cortical developmental malformations and a peculiar distribution of pathologic calcifications. These potentially indicate a new pattern of congenital central nervous system infection. Methods: Eight women underwent fetal MRI. Four infants also underwent postnatal CT. Five of the women underwent amniocentesis. Results: All neonates were born with microcephaly. On fetal MRI, ventriculomegaly, marked reduction of white matter thickness, severe sylvian fissure simplification, abnormal sulcation, and diffuse volumetric loss of cerebellar hemispheres were consistently seen. On postnatal CT, diffuse subcortical and basal ganglia calcifications were observed. The Zika virus was detected in two amniocenteses by polymerase chain reaction assays. Conclusion: We hope to assist the medical community in recognizing the spectrum of encephalic changes related to congenital Zika virus infection.

RESUMO Os novos casos epidêmicos de infecção pelo vírus Zika suscitam grande preocupação, sobretudo com o crescente reconhecimento da ligação entre casos emergentes de microcefalia e esta doença infecciosa. Além da cabeça de pequenas dimensões, existem profundas alterações morfológicas no encéfalo fetal. Anomalias mais típicas incluem malformações do desenvolvimento cortical e uma distribuição peculiar de calcificações patológicas. Estes dados potencialmente indicam um novo padrão de infecção congênita do sistema nervoso central. Métodos: Oito mulheres foram submetidas a RM fetal. Quatro crianças também realizaram TC pós-natal. Cinco mulheres foram submetidas a amniocentese. Resultados: Todos os neonatos nasceram com microcefalia. Na RM fetal, ventriculomegalia, acentuada redução da espessura da substância branca, acentuada simplificação da fissura sylviana, sulcação anormal e redução volumétrica difusa dos hemisférios cerebelares foram constantes. Na TC pós-natal, calcificações difusas subcorticais e nos núcleos da base foram observadas. O vírus Zika foi detectado por PCR em duas amniocenteses. Conclusão: Esperamos dar suporte à comunidade médica em reconhecer este padrão de imagem potencialmente específico.

Can fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry predict delivery date in pregnant women with spontaneous preterm birth?

AIM: To assess the accuracy of delivery date predictions made using fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry in pregnant women with spontaneous preterm birth (PB) and to compare these predictions with cervical length (CL) measurements.Material and methods: A prospective study was performed with 51 pregnant women whose gestational lengths were between 24 and 36 weeks. The main outcome was the time between the Doppler velocimetry examination and delivery, categorized as delivery within 7 days or 7 days later after the examination. A receiver operating characteristics curve was performed to define the cutoffs among deliveries within 7 days for fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry parameters and CL measurements. RESULTS: The incidence of delivery within 7 days was 37.3%, with a statistically significant difference for the pulsatility index (PI; p=0.045) and resistance index (RI; p=0.030) of the fetal adrenal artery. The best cutoff values of PI and RI for predicting deliveries within 7 days were 1.65 and 0.78, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PI, RI, and CL (20 mm) were 73.7% (95% CI: 51.9-95.5) and 56.3% (95% CI: 38.1-74.4); 68.4% (95% CI: 45.4-91.4) and 62.5% (95% CI: 44.8-80.2); and 76.5% (95% CI: 54.0-99.0) and 78.1% (95%: CI 71.1-97.7), respectively. CONCLUSION: Fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry can predict delivery within 7 days among pregnant women in cases of spontaneous PB and this prediction is similar to the predictions made using CL measurements.

Can the Induction of Labor with Misoprostol Increase Maternal Blood Loss?

Purpose To evaluate blood loss during misoprostol-induced vaginal births and during cesarean sections after attempted misoprostol induction. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study in 101 pregnant women indicated for labor induction; pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels were measured to estimate blood loss during delivery. Labor was induced by administering 25 µg vaginal misoprostol every 6 hours (with a maximum of 6 doses). The control group included 30 patients who spontaneously entered labor, and 30 patients who underwent elective cesarean section. Pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels were evaluated using the analysis of variance for repeated measurements, showing the effects of time (pre- and postpartum) and of the group (with and without misoprostol administration). Results There were significant differences between pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels (p < 0.0001) with regard to misoprostol-induced vaginal deliveries (1.6 ± 1.4 mg/dL), non-induced vaginal deliveries (1.4 ± 1.0 mg/dL), cesarean sections after attempted misoprostol induction (1.5 ± 1.0 mg/dL), and elective cesarean deliveries (1.8 ± 1.1 mg/dL). However, the differences were proportional between the groups with and without misoprostol administration, for both cesarean (p = 0.6845) and vaginal deliveries (p = 0.2694). Conclusions Labor induction using misoprostol did not affect blood loss during delivery.

Can the Induction of Labor with Misoprostol Increase Maternal Blood Loss? / Pode a indução do parto com misoprostol aumentar a perda de sangue materna?

Abstract Purpose To evaluate blood loss during misoprostol-induced vaginal births and during cesarean sections after attempted misoprostol induction. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study in 101 pregnant women indicated for labor induction; pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels were measured to estimate blood loss during delivery. Labor was induced by administering 25 μg vaginal misoprostol every 6 hours (with a maximum of 6 doses). The control group included 30 patients who spontaneously entered labor, and 30 patients who underwent elective cesarean section. Pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels were evaluated using the analysis of variance for repeated measurements, showing the effects of time (pre- and postpartum) and of the group (with and withoutmisoprostol administration). Results Therewere significant differences between pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels (p < 0.0001) with regard to misoprostol-induced vaginal deliveries (1.6 ± 1.4 mg/dL), non-induced vaginal deliveries (1.4 ± 1.0 mg/dL), cesarean sections after attempted misoprostol induction (1.5 ± 1.0 mg/dL), and elective cesarean deliveries (1.8 ± 1.1 mg/dL). However, the differences were proportional between the groups with and without misoprostol administration, for both cesarean (p = 0.6845) and vaginal deliveries (p = 0.2694). Conclusions Labor induction using misoprostol did not affect blood loss during delivery.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a perda sanguínea em partos vaginais induzidos com misoprostol, e em cesáreas com tentativa prévia de indução do parto com misoprostol. Métodos Realizou-se estudo prospectivo observacional com 101 gestantes com indicação para indução do trabalho de parto, as quais foram avaliadas pela dosagem de hemoglobina pré e pós-parto para estimativa da perda sanguínea no parto. Procedeu-se à indução do trabalho de parto com misoprostol 25 μg, via vaginal, a cada 6 horas, em um número máximo de 6 doses. O grupo controle foi composto por 30 pacientes que entraram emtrabalho de parto espontaneamente, e por 30 pacientes que se submeteram a cesárea eletiva. O estudo da hemoglobina, antes e depois do parto, foi avaliado por ANOVA paramedidas repetidas, no qual foi verificado o efeito do tempo (pré e pós-parto) e o efeito do grupo (com e sem uso do misoprostol). Resultados Existem diferenças significativas entre os níveis de hemoglobina pré e pós-parto (p < 0,0001) nos partos vaginais induzidos pelo misoprostol (1,6 ± 1,4 mg/ dL), nos partos vaginais não induzidos (1,4 ± 1,0 mg/dL), nas cesáreas com tentativa prévia de indução (1,5 ± 1,0mg/dL), e nas cesáreas eletivas (1,8 ± 1,1mg/dL). Porém, as diferenças foram proporcionais em ambos os grupos, ou seja, ocorreu diferença tanto no grupo que fez uso do misoprostol quanto no grupo que não fez uso do medicamento, tanto na cesárea (p = 0,6845) quanto no parto vaginal (p = 0,2694). Conclusões A indução do parto com misoprostol não alterou a perda sanguínea durante o parto.

Weight-Gain Velocity in Newborn Infants Managed with the Kangaroo Method and Associated Variables.

Objectives The Kangaroo method helps promote maternal breastfeeding and adequate growth of low birthweight preterm infants. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between weight-gain velocity during use of the Kangaroo method and maternal and infant variables. Methods A nested cross-sectional study in a cohort of newborn infants managed using the Kangaroo method was carried out at a reference center for the method in Brazil. Data on low birthweight and preterm infants managed using the Kangaroo Method (n = 78) and on their respective mothers (n = 70) was collected between January and July 2014. Maternal and infant variables were associated and correlated with weight-gain velocity (g/kg/day) at each phase of the method (p < 0.05). Results Mean weight-gain velocity increased from 0.12 ± 11.11 g/kg/day in the first phase to 13.47 ± 4.84 g/kg/day in the third phase (p < 0.001), and percentage of adequate weight increased at phase 3 (p < 0.001). Birthweight was inversely correlated with weight-gain velocity at phases 1 and 2 of the Kangaroo method. Birthweight of under 1500 g was associated with a lower likelihood of inadequate weight-gain velocity of the newborn at phase 1 (OR = 0.1; 95 % CI 0.01-0.78; p = 0.012). In phase 3, maternal age was directly correlated with weight-gain velocity. Conclusions Weight-gain velocity was associated with maternal (age) and infant (gestational age at birth, birthweight, weight for gestational age at birth, length of hospital stay and five-minute Apgar score) variables. Knowledge of the factors influencing weight-gain velocity and its behavior at each phase of the method can help guide conduct toward potentializing factors that promote adequate weight-gain.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Treatment with Dopamine Agonist and Subsequent Pregnancy with a Satisfactory Outcome.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of peripartum cardiomyopathy are not yet completely defined, although there is a strong association with various factors that are already known, including pre-eclampsia. Peripartum cardiomyopathy treatment follows the same recommendations as heart failure with systolic dysfunction. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that products of prolactin degradation can induce this cardiomyopathy. The pharmacological suppression of prolactin production by D2 dopamine receptor agonists bromocriptine and cabergoline has demonstrated satisfactory results in the therapeutic response to the treatment. Here we present a case of an adolescent patient in her first gestation with peripartum cardiomyopathy that evolved to the normalized left ventricular function after cabergoline administration, which was used as an adjuvant in cardiac dysfunction treatment. Subsequently, despite a short interval between pregnancies, the patient exhibited satisfactory progress throughout the entire gestation or puerperium in a new pregnancy without any cardiac alterations. Dopamine agonists that are orally used and are affordable in most tertiary centers, particularly in developing countries, should be considered when treating peripartum cardiomyopathy cases.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Treatment with Dopamine Agonist and Subsequent Pregnancy with a Satisfactory Outcome / Tratamento da miocardiopatia periparto com agonista dopaminérgico e subsequente gestação com resultado satisfatório

Abstract Pathophysiological mechanisms of peripartum cardiomyopathy are not yet completely defined, although there is a strong association with various factors that are already known, including pre-eclampsia. Peripartum cardiomyopathy treatment follows the same recommendations as heart failure with systolic dysfunction. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that products of prolactin degradation can induce this cardiomyopathy. The pharmacological suppression of prolactin production by D2 dopamine receptor agonists bromocriptine and cabergoline has demonstrated satisfactory results in the therapeutic response to the treatment. Here we present a case of an adolescent patient in her first gestation with peripartum cardiomyopathy that evolved to the normalized left ventricular function after cabergoline administration, which was used as an adjuvant in cardiac dysfunction treatment. Subsequently, despite a short interval between pregnancies, the patient exhibited satisfactory progress throughout the entire gestation or puerperium in a new pregnancy without any cardiac alterations. Dopamine agonists that are orally used and are affordable in most tertiary centers, particularly in developing countries, should be considered when treating peripartum cardiomyopathy cases.

Resumo Os mecanismos fisiopatológicos da miocardiopatia periparto ainda não são totalmente definidos, apesar de haver forte associação com vários fatores já conhecidos, incluindo a pré-eclâmpsia. O tratamento segue as mesmas recomendações para a insuficiência cardíaca com disfunção sistólica. Estudos clínicos e experimentais recentes sugerem que os produtos de degradação da prolactina podem induzir a miocardiopatia. A supressão farmacológica da produção de prolactina por agonista do receptor D2 da dopamina, bromocriptina ou cabergolina, vem demonstrando resultados satisfatórios na resposta terapêutica do tratamento. Apresentamos o relato de uma primigesta, adolescente, com miocardiopatia periparto que evoluiu para a normalização da função ventricular esquerda após a administração da cabergolina, utilizada como adjuvante na terapêutica da disfunção cardíaca. Subsequentemente, apesar do intervalo entre as gestações ser considerado curto, apresentou evolução satisfatória em uma nova gestação sem qualquer alteração cardíaca durante todo o período gestacional ou puerpério. Os agonistas dopaminérgicos, drogas de uso oral e de preço acessível para a maioria dos centros terciários, em particular em países subdesenvolvidos, não podem ser esquecidos frente a casos de miocardiopatia periparto.

Delivery prediction in pregnant women with spontaneous preterm birth using fetal adrenal gland biometry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prediction of delivery within 7 days in pregnant women who showed symptoms of spontaneous preterm birth (PB) by means of fetal adrenal gland biometry and to compare these predictions with the cervical length (CL) measurement. METHODS: We performed a prospective cross-sectional study with 53 pregnant women between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation. An ultrasound exam was performed for each participant to obtain the CL measurement (transvaginal route) and fetal adrenal gland biometry on day 1 of their hospital admission because of symptoms of spontaneous PB. The main outcome measure was the time between the ultrasound exam and delivery, which was classified into two groups: delivery ≤7 days and delivery >7 days. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was performed to define the cutoffs for sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: The prevalence of delivery within 7 days was 35.8%, which showed a statistically significant difference from the depth of the central zone of the fetal adrenal gland (p = 0.036). The cutoff for the depth of the central zone of the fetal adrenal gland was 7.2 mm (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 61.8% and accuracy 63.5%). These values were not significantly different than the cutoffs for cervical length measurement: 20 mm (p = 0.267) and 9 mm (p = 0.118). CONCLUSION: The biometry for the central zone of the fetal adrenal gland predicted delivery within 7 days in pregnant women with spontaneous PB and had a predictive accuracy similar to that of CL measurement.

Factors associated with vaginal delivery in hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women submitted to labor induction with misoprostol: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with vaginal delivery in hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women submitted to induction of labor with misoprostol. METHODS: A cohort study. RESULTS: The factors associated with vaginal delivery in both normotensive and hypertensive women were, respectively, Bishop score ≥ 4 (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.06-3.29; p = 0.03) and (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.25-4.28; p = 0.008) and parity ≥ 1 (OR = 4.36; 95% CI: 2.16-8.80; p < 0.0001) and (OR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.36-5.04; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The factors associated with vaginal delivery were Bishop score ≥ 4 and parity ≥ 1 irrespective of whether or not the women were hypertensive.