Perinatal Outcomes in Infants of Mothers with Diabetes in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing in parallel to the worldwide obesity and type 2 diabetes pandemic. Both GDM and pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) are associated with short- and long-term consequences in the offspring. There are few recent studies addressing outcomes of newborns born to women diagnosed with GDM and PGDM in Israel. OBJECTIVES: To assess perinatal complications in offspring of women with GDM and PGDM. METHODS: The authors conducted a single-center retrospective case-control study of outcomes of all newborns whose mothers had been diagnosed with diabetes in pregnancy compared to randomly assigned controls born on the same date, whose mothers had no diabetes. RESULTS: In the study period 2015-2017, 526 mothers diagnosed with GDM or PGDM and their newborn infants were identified. The authors randomly assigned 526 control infants. The rate of women with diabetes in pregnancy was 5.0%. Mothers with GDM and PGDM had higher rates of pre-eclampsia, multiple pregnancies, and preterm deliveries. Mothers with PGDM had significantly higher rates of intrauterine fetal demise (4.3%), congenital anomalies (12.8%), and small-for-gestational-age neonates (10.6%) compared to controls (0%, 3.2%, and 4.2%, respectively, P < 0.001). The risks for preterm or cesarean delivery, large-for-gestational-age neonate, respiratory morbidity, hypoglycemia, and polycythemia were increased in offspring of mothers with diabetes, especially PGDM. CONCLUSIONS: Despite all the advancements in prenatal care, diabetes in pregnancy, both PGDM and GDM, is still associated with significant morbidities and complications in offspring. Better preconception and inter-pregnancy care might reduce these risks.

The mutual effect of pregestational body mass index, maternal hyperglycemia and gestational weight gain on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mutual effect of obesity, gestational diabetes (GDM) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Charts of patients who delivered in our hospital between June 2001 and June 2006 singleton, live births >24 weeks gestation were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess pregnancy outcomes defined as large for gestational age (LGA), primary cesarean section (PCS) and a composite outcome of LGA and/or PCS. RESULTS: A total of 8595 women were included. Frequency of composite outcome increased with increasing body mass index (BMI), increasing hyperglycemia and above-recommended GWG. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis compared to women with normal BMI, odds ratio (OR) for composite outcome was 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.44) in overweight women, OR = 1.86 (1.51-2.31) in obese women and in severe obesity OR = 2.97 (2.15-4.11). Compared to normoglycemic women, odds for composite outcome in women with abnormal glucose challenge test OR = 1.46 (1.20-1.79), impaired glucose tolerance OR = 1.65 (1.14-2.4) and GDM OR = 1.56 (1.16-2.10). Women with GWG above recommended had OR = 1.58, (1.37-1.81) for composite outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Higher pregestational BMI, maternal hyperglycemia and above-recommended GWG independently contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, there is mutual effect between these three factors and adverse outcomes. Appropriate pregestational weight and adequate GWG might reduce risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

[Universal prenatal screening for HIV in Israel--is it justified?].

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV occurs during pregnancy but mainly during delivery and also at breastfeeding. Early prenatal testing and diagnosis of HIV positive asymptomatic women along with proper treatment of women and newborns reduces the MTCT rate from 20-45% to less than 1-2%. Thus, in the last decade, universal prenatal screening for HIV is recommended in many developed countries in order to diagnose and treat carriers and prevent child infection. According to the Ministry of Health guidelines regarding "Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV positive reproductive-aged women": HIV prevalence in the general population is low and therefore, prenatal HIV screening should be offered to high risk women ("when women or their sexual partner belong to one of the following risk groups: negotiated in unprotected occasional sex, drug addicts, sex service providers, immigrants from endemic areas and their children and those who had unprotected sex in endemic areas"). According to the guidelines, these women should be referred to an AIDS center for thorough explanations prior to testing (opt-in-approach). In the last decade approximately 10 children were diagnosed with HIV every year, only 2-6 of them were born in Israel. This article evaluates whether universal prenatal screening for HIV, similar to syphilis screening for example, is justified in Israel. HIV testing would be offered as part of the routine tests that each pregnant woman undergoes in early pregnancy and women can refuse testing (opt-out-approach). Careful appraisal of such a screening program shows that it is justified and might be an important step in preventing HIV transmission.

[The incredible story about the cesarean section from ancient times till nowadays].

During its evolution the cesarean section has meant different things to different people. The indications for it have changed throughout the course of history. From the initial purpose to retrieve an infant from a dead or dying mother in order to bury the child separately from his mother, to contemporary indications. This article strives to follow the roots of this common procedure--starting from the descriptions in the ancient Greek mythology, through the imperial Roman law, aspects of Judaism and the evolution of the procedure throughout modern history. Major improvements in the surgical techniques, the introduction of anesthesia and aseptic procedures contributed to the decline in mortality and morbidity rates. We will attempt to find the etymology for the expression "cesarean section" which has commonly been accounted to Julius Caesar's name, although history denies it. This review takes us on a historical journey, from ancient times to nowadays, in which we follow the course and nature of a procedure being performed daily in thousands of hospitals.

[Infertility, fertility treatment and breast cancer risk].

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Israel and throughout the world. It is the leading cause of death from cancer in women. The cause of breast cancer is unknown; however gynecological history and hormonal factors have a major impact on the risk to develop breast cancer. Infertility affects 15-20% of couples in developed countries and most of them will need fertility treatment. The variety of fertility treatments and their use has been widespread during the last 50 years and especially since the introduction of in vitro fertilization. During fertility treatment, and depending on the type of treatment, there is ovarian hyperstimulation with maturation of several follicles and higher than normal estradiol levels. This article reviews the leading studies that evaluated the possible link between fertility treatment and the development of breast cancer. Most studies showed no association between fertility drugs and breast cancer. Whereas other researchers demonstrated a possible link between some fertility drugs and increased risk for breast cancer in certain subgroups. Therefore, larger studies with longer follow-up periods and better control for all possible confounding factors are needed in order to confirm the safety of fertility treatments in the long run. The combination of infertility and fertility treatment might cause harm, such as an increased risk for breast cancer Therefore, one has to consider carefully, together with the woman, the need for fertility treatment and give the lowest possible dosage for the shortest duration in order to minimize the risk.

Safety of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women: A study of the adverse perinatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare adverse perinatal outcome among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-vaccinated and -unvaccinated pregnant women. METHOD: Retrospective equivalence cohort study comparing 930 women who received at least one BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and 964 unvaccinated women. The primary outcome was a composite adverse perinatal outcome including at least one of the following: preterm delivery <35 weeks of gestation, intrauterine fetal death >23 weeks of gestation, intrauterine growth restriction defined as birth weight < 10th percentile, 5-min APGAR score ≤ 7, and neonatal care unit admission. RESULTS: The authors found no effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on the rate of the individual adverse perinatal outcomes. At least one adverse perinatal outcome was found in 108 (11.25%) of unvaccinated women versus 82 (8.82%) of vaccinated pregnant women (P = 0.080). The observed proportion difference (unvaccinated minus vaccinated) was 0.024. In the equivalence analysis with a margin of 0.05, the 90% confidence interval (0.01-0.05) was entirely within the equivalence zone (-0.05 to 0.05) with a P value of 0.032. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated an equivalent rate of adverse perinatal outcomes among vaccinated and unvaccinated women, thus supporting vaccine safety during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The authors believe this information is useful in counseling pregnant women regarding COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Maternal and Neonatal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Immunoglobulin G Levels After the Pfizer-BioNTech Booster Dose for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal and neonatal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels at birth after a third (booster) dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech messenger RNA (Pfizer) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine during the second trimester of pregnancy, and compare them with those in women who received two vaccine doses during the second trimester. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of women admitted to the delivery ward at a single center who received the third Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dose (booster group) at 17-30 weeks of pregnancy and who did not have previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Maternal and neonatal antibody levels were measured on admission for delivery and in the umbilical cord blood after birth. Antibody levels for the booster group were compared with those in a historical control group of pregnant women who received their second vaccine dose (two-dose group) within the same gestational age window. RESULTS: Between October 2021 and February 2022, antibody levels were measured in 121 women and 109 neonates at a mean±SD of 15.3±3.9 weeks after booster vaccination. Neonatal titers measured two times higher than maternal titers, with inverse correlation between maternal and neonatal titers at birth and time interval from third vaccination. The two-dose group included 121 women and 107 neonates, with antibody levels measured at a mean±SD of 14.6±2.6 weeks after the second dose. Median [interquartile range] maternal antibody titers were higher in the booster group (4,485 [2,569-9,702] AU/mL) compared with the two-dose group (1,122 [735-1,872] AU/mL) (P<.001). Furthermore, neonatal antibody titers were higher in the booster group (8,773 [5,143-18,830] AU/mL) compared with the two-dose group (3,280 [2,087-5,754] AU/mL) (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Maternal and neonatal SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers after second-trimester maternal Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination were significantly higher after the booster dose compared with the two-dose vaccination series. Although there is uncertainty as to whether antibody levels correlate with protection, these data support the importance of booster vaccination during pregnancy to restore maternal and neonatal protection against COVID-19.

Third trimester messenger RNA COVID-19 booster vaccination upsurge maternal and neonatal SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody levels at birth.

OBJECTIVE: BNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine administered during pregnancy was found to produce a strong maternal immunoglobulin (IgG) response which crosses the placenta to the newborn. Our aim was to evaluate maternal and neonatal SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels at birth, following a COVID-19 booster vaccine during the third trimester. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study including women admitted to delivery ward at least 7 days after their BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) booster vaccination without a prior clinical COVID-19 infection. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies levels were measured in maternal blood upon admission to delivery and in the umbilical blood within 30 min following delivery. The correlation between antibody titers, feto-maternal characteristics, maternal side effects following vaccination, and time interval from vaccination to delivery were analyzed. RESULTS: Between September to November 2021, high antibody levels were measured in all 102 women and 93 neonatal blood samples, at a mean ± standard deviation duration of 7.0 ± 2.9 weeks after the third vaccine. We found positive correlation between maternal and neonatal antibodies (r = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61 to 0.81, p < 0.001), with neonatal titers approximately 1.4 times higher compared to maternal titers. In the multivariable analysis maternal antibody levels dropped by -7.2% (95% CI -12.0 to -2.3%, p = 0.005) for each week that passed since the receipt of the third vaccine dose. In contrary, systemic side effects after the third vaccine were associated with higher maternal antibody levels of 52.0% (95% CI 4.7 to 120.8%, p = 0.028). Also, for each 1 unit increase in maternal body mass index, maternal antibody levels increased by 3.6% (95% CI 0.4 to 6.9%, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 booster dose during the third trimester of pregnancy was associated with strong maternal and neonatal responses as reflected by maternal and neonatal SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels measured at birth. These findings support the administration of the COVID-19 booster to pregnant women to restore maternal and neonatal protection during the ongoing pandemic.

Pregestational body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy and maternal hyperglycemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations between pregestational BMI and weight gain during pregnancy and the risk for maternal hyperglycemia. METHODS: The charts of all patients who delivered at our hospital between June 2001 and June 2006 were reviewed. Maternal hyperglycemia categories were defined as GDM (by the Carpenter and Coustan criteria); Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT - only one abnormal value in the 100 g OGTT); Abnormal GCT (≥140 mg/dL) but no high values on the OGTT. Women with GCT < 140 were defined as normal glucose tolerance (NGT). RESULTS: Pregravid BMI and glucose tolerance data were available for 9269 women. We also had data on weight gain during pregnancy for 7766 of these women. There was strong graded association between increasing BMI category and all levels of maternal hyperglycemia. There was significant negative correlation between BMI and weight gain during pregnancy (R = -0.251, P value < 0.0001). However, in the multivariate logistic regression model, only pregestational BMI was significantly associated with maternal hyperglycemia, whereas weight gain during pregnancy was no longer significant. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is a strong predictor for gestational maternal hyperglycemia. Weight gain during pregnancy has less effect. Every effort should be made for pregestational weight reduction in overweight women.

Normal fasting plasma glucose levels during pregnancy: a hospital-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups have suggested new criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes including a fasting glucose level of ≥92 mg/dL. We determined reference levels for normal fasting plasma glucose levels throughout pregnancy and evaluated the new normal cut-off for fasting glucose level. METHODS: Charts of patients who delivered in our hospital between June 2001 and June 2006 were reviewed. Women with pregestational diabetes, fasting glucose level >105 mg/dL or delivery at <24 weeks were excluded. Fasting glucose levels were assessed in 11 time categories between three months prior and four months postpartum in 7946 women. RESULTS: Compared to preconception levels, fasting glucose levels decreased by a median of 3 mg/dL in the first trimester (81-78 mg/dL). During the third trimester a slight further glucose reduction was observed (median 76 mg/dL). After delivery fasting glucose levels increased sharply (84 mg/dL in the puerperium and 81 mg/dL by three months postpartum). Throughout pregnancy 5.2-9.0% of pregnant women had a fasting glucose level of ≥92 mg/dL [compared to 8.2% in the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study]. CONCLUSION: Fasting glucose levels decrease early in pregnancy with only slight further decrease later on. It seems that the same fasting glucose cut-off can be used throughout pregnancy for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus.

[Medical treatment of diabetic patients in high risk pregnancy clinic improves glycemic control prior to fertility treatment].

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic women are at increased risk for spontaneous abortions and congenital anomalies. Preconception care can improve pregnancy outcome. AIM: To evaluate glycemic control in diabetic women undergoing fertility treatment, and compare between women who were treated in high risk pregnancy (HRP) clinics prior to fertility treatment and those who received usuaL care. METHODS: Retrospective study on diabetic women undergoing fertility treatment during 2008-2009 in Haifa and Western Galilee District of Clalit Health Services (CHS). Data on fertility treatments, prescription fillings, HBA1C Levels and demographic data was extracted from CHS computer Data on medical treatment in HRP clinic was retrieved from visits in the researcher clinic. We evaluated measurement and Level of HBA1C within 3 months of fertility treatment; and compared it between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 230 fertility treatment cycles in 83 diabetic women; 10 women were treated in the HRP clinic. Median HBA C was significantly lower 6.1% in the HRP group compared to 7.1% in women who received usual care (P < 0.05]. HBA1C Level was recorded within 3 months of fertility treatment in 84.2% of cycles in the HRP group compared to 52.6% of cycles in the usual care group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, HBA1C < 7.0% was found in 68.4% of cycles in women in the HRP clinic compared to only 24.0% of cycles in the other group [P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The medical care of diabetic women undergoing fertility treatment needs improvement. Many women undergo fertility treatment despite poor glycemic control. Referral to HRP clinic improves diabetic control and can improve pregnancy outcome.

[Medical evaluation prior to fertility treatment--time for reconsideration?].

The aim of modern obstetrics is to bring a healthy child to a healthy mother. Preconception counseling is a form of preventive medicine that consists of three main components: risk assessment, health promotion and intervention, in order to improve pregnancy outcome. A large proportion of women, who need assisted reproductive technologies (ART) due to infertility, are older than the average pregnant women. The risk for chronic maternal disease such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and malignant disease greatly increases with maternal age. Chronic maternal illness might increase the risk of in vitro fertilization procedure and is also associated with increased obstetrics risk and even death. A previous study has shown that most maternal deaths in the USA, due to chronic maternal disease, are potentially preventable through better medical care from preconception, yet most studies that deal with preconception care in infertility patients only address the problems of infertility. Therefore, similar to the recommendations of the American Heart Association before non-competitive physical activity, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists before an elective surgery, we suggest a pre-ART medical assessment. Our objective is to outline the potential risks for older women who undergo ART procedure and potentially, pregnancy, and to characterize guidelines for evaluation prior to enrolling them in ART programs. Pre-ART assessment should include a thorough medical questionnaire and medical examination. Appropriate treatment for women with medical conditions prior to ART procedure and optimizing disease control in preparation for pregnancy including changing a potentially teratogenic treatment, can improve women's health status prior to pregnancy and reduce pregnancy related complications. At the end of the evaluation, and before ART treatment, the women should be consulted, based on the results of tests, on the possible risks that might accompany the ART procedure, pregnancy and delivery.

Mode of delivery and necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm very-low-birth-weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between delivery mode and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm (24-31 weeks' gestational age (GA)) very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) (≤1500 g) infants. DESIGN: Population-based observational study using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. SETTING: The Israel National VLBW infant database 1995-2015. PATIENTS: 20,223 VLBW infants, 11,832 singletons and 8391 multiples. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The association of NEC occurrence to delivery by cesarean section (CS) in singletons and multiples VLBW very preterm infants. RESULTS: NEC occurred in 7.6% of singletons and 6.4% of multiples. 71.5% were delivered by CS (64.7% of singletons, 80.9% of multiples). CS delivery was not significantly associated with NEC stages 2-3 in singletons; but multiple births CS were associated with significantly higher odds for NEC (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.69). Odds for NEC were greater with lower GA, small for GA (SGA) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in both singletons and multiples, and lower in multiples with antenatal corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated association between deliveries by CS and increased risk for NEC only in multiple pregnancies.

[Preconception care and counseling for women with diabetes and those at risk for diabetes].

Diabetes is a chronic disease with increasing incidence in recent years in parallel with the obesity epidemic. Diabetes can cause damage to many target organs and pregnancy in women with pregestational diabetes is considered a high risk pregnancy and constitutes a special challenge. Pregestational diabetes increases the risk of pregnancy complications to the mother, fetus and newborn infant. The duration and type of diabetes, its severity, the occurrence of chronic complications and the level of glucose control are the major factors influencing pregnancy outcome. Diabetes substantially increases the risk of spontaneous abortion and congenital malformations. In order to minimize these risks, it is important that all women with pregestational diabetes will receive appropriate preconception counseling and treatment.

Delivery mode and severe intraventricular hemorrhage in single, very low birth weight, vertex infants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between delivery mode and grade 3-4 intraventricular hemorrhage in singleton, vertex presenting, very low birth weight (VLBW) (1,500 g or less) liveborn infants. METHODS: The Israel National VLBW Infant Database includes perinatal and neonatal data on greater than 99% of all VLBW newborns. A total of 4,658 singleton vertex-presenting infants born at 24-34 weeks were included (1995-2004). Infants with lethal congenital malformations, delivery room deaths, and home deliveries were excluded. Our population-based observational study evaluated the effect of delivery mode and confounding variables on severe intraventricular hemorrhage using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The rate of severe intraventricular hemorrhage was 10.4%. Cesarean delivery rate was 54.3%. The rate of severe intraventricular hemorrhage was 7.7% for infants delivered by cesarean compared with 13.6% in vaginal delivery (P<.001). However, analysis according to gestational age showed that the rate of severe intraventricular hemorrhage was similar in cesarean and vaginal delivery in all gestational age groups. In the multivariable model, cesarean delivery had no effect on the odds for severe intraventricular hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-1.24). Other factors independently associated with severe intraventricular hemorrhage included gestational age (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.68-0.75 for each week increase), maternal hypertensive disorder (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.30-0.61), no antenatal steroids (OR 2.70, 95% CI 2.12-3.45), 1-minute Apgar score 0-3 (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.33-2.21), delivery room resuscitation (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.65-2.83), and non-Jewish ethnicity (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.59). CONCLUSION: In this population-based study, the odds for severe intraventricular hemorrhage were not influenced by mode of delivery in vertex-presenting singleton VLBW infants after controlling for gestational age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Population-based study on antenatal corticosteroid treatment in preterm small for gestational age and non-small for gestational age twin infants.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the associations between antenatal corticosteroid use (ACU), mortality and severe morbidities in preterm, twin neonates and compare these between small for gestational age (SGA) and non-SGA twins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Population-based study using data collected by the Israel National Very Low Birth Weight infant database from 1995 to 2012, comprising twin infants of 24-31 weeks' gestation, without major malformations. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among the 6195 study twin infants, 784 were SGA. Among SGA neonates, ACU were associated with decreased mortality (23.9% vs. 39.2%, p < 0.0001) and composite adverse outcome including mortality or severe neonatal morbidity (43.8% vs. 56.8%, p = 0.0015), similar to the effect in non-SGA neonates (mortality 13.0% vs. 24.5%, p < 0.0001; composite outcome 34.2% vs. 44.8%, p < 0.0001). In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, ACU were associated with an almost 50% reduced mortality risk among SGA twin neonates (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.88) similar to the effect in non-SGA twin neonates (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.45-0.70), Pinteraction = 0.69. Composite adverse outcome risk was also reduced in SGA (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.50-1.23) and non-SGA groups (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.95), Pinteraction = 0.95. CONCLUSIONS: ACU should be considered in all mothers with twin gestation, at risk for preterm delivery at 24-31 weeks, in order to improve perinatal outcome.

Missed opportunities for appropriate postpartum care in women with pregestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate postpartum glycemic control in women with pregestational diabetes and to assess contributing factors. METHODS: Retrospective data collection from an electronic database on a cohort of Israeli women at Clalit Healthcare Services with pregestational diabetes who gave birth in 2008-2011, including data on HbA(1C), prescription fillings, and socio-demographics. HbA(1C) level was assessed during a 2 year time-period, from periconception until one-year postpartum. RESULTS: There were 180 deliveries to 166 women. Compared with the periconception period, the HbA(1C) level improved significantly during the last 6 months of pregnancy (6.7% versus 6.0%, p < 0.05). However, there was rapid continuous deterioration in glycemic control in the postpartum period with median HbA(1C) = 6.9% in the first 6 months postpartum and 7.2% in the late postpartum period (p < 0.05). One-year postpartum 107 women (59.4%) had suboptimal care (defined as HbA(1C) > 7.0% or no test). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the only significant predictor of 1-year postpartum suboptimal care was suboptimal periconception care, OR = 6.1 (95% CI 3.15-11.84, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum glycemic control deteriorated rapidly despite excellent control in most women in the last 6 month of pregnancy. More intensive and targeted intervention is needed in order to optimize postpartum care of diabetic patients.

Cerebrovascular hemodynamics in chronic hypertensive pregnant women who later develop superimposed preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: We have previously shown that normotensive pregnant women who later develop preeclampsia demonstrate lower baseline pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) but normal vasodilatory responses to stimulation tests. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that women with chronic hypertension who later developed superimposed preeclampsia behave similarly. METHODS: Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was performed on 17 women with chronic hypertension during the second trimester of pregnancy to measure middle cerebral artery (MCA) velocities. Superimposed preeclampsia developed in seven patients (SUPER group) while the rest did not develop preeclampsia (CHT group). Measurements were performed in the left lateral position at baseline on room air, during 5% CO2 inhalation, and during a 2-minute isometric handgrip test. Blood pressure, heart rate, O2 saturation, and end-tidal PCO2 were recorded with each Doppler measurement. Mean PI, RI, and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) at each time were compared using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: The women who developed superimposed preeclampsia did this an average of 8.7 +/- 1.3 weeks after the study. MCA PI and RI were lower, and CPP higher, in the SUPER group compared to the CHT group (0.64, 0.46, and 80.7 vs 0.74, 0.51, and 63.6, respectively; P < .05). Both maneuvers caused reduction in MCA PI and RI in both groups, whereas CPP increased only in the SUPER group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that women destined to develop preeclampsia have cerebral hemodynamic changes that predate the development of overt preeclampsia.

The fetal outcomes of pregnancies of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in northern Israel.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the fetal outcomes of pregnancies of systemic lupus erythrematosus (SLE) patients in northern Israel. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The association between demographic characteristics, disease-related variables and adverse pregnancy outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Data were collected regarding 59 pregnancies of 35 SLE patients; 77.1% were Jewish patients and 22.8% Arab. None of the patients suffered from a major organ flare during pregnancy. There was no difference in the frequency of the different lupus manifestations across the two ethnic groups. The mean birth week of all pregnancies followed was 31.8 weeks. An adverse pregnancy outcome had occurred in 35.6% of the pregnancies. Intrauterine growth restriction was observed in 13.5% of the pregnancies. Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) positivity, past major organ involvement and a younger age at conception were associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome; however, ethnicity was not associated. DISCUSSION: The pregnancy outcomes of our cohort are similar to those previously published, worse than the general population. Ethnicity did not affect the fetal outcome.

Cerebrovascular hemodynamics in pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the cerebrovascular autoregulation in pregnant normotensive and mild chronic hypertensive patients without preeclampsia. METHODS: Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to measure peak, end-diastolic, and mean velocities in the middle cerebral arteries of 34 normotensive and 17 mild chronic hypertensive women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Measurements were performed in the left lateral position at baseline, during 5% CO(2) inhalation, and during an isometric handgrip test. Mean pulsatility index, resistance index, and cerebral perfusion pressure at each time were compared using 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Using an alpha error of 5%, the statistical power to identify differences in middle cerebral artery indices in response to the two maneuvers was at least 90% and 50% in comparison between the two groups. Significance was P <.05. RESULTS: Pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension had higher baseline mean blood pressure but similar pulsatility index (0.73 versus 0.75), resistance index (0.50 versus 0.50), and cerebral perfusion pressure (59.9 versus 61.8 mm Hg) compared with normotensive pregnant women. Both maneuvers caused a significant reduction in pulsatility index and resistance index and higher cerebral perfusion pressure. No significant differences were noted in the response to either 5% CO(2) inhalation or isometric handgrip test between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension show normal cerebral vasomotor reactivity to CO(2) breathing and isometric handgrip. This suggests that the abnormal cerebrovascular autoregulation in preeclampsia is not directly linked to the elevated blood pressure but rather is determined by a separate pathophysiologic pathway. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2