The Late Effects of Pregnancy on Aortic Dimensions in Patients with Marfan Syndrome.

While the immediate effects of pregnancy on aortic dimension in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) have been evaluated, the late effects of subsequent pregnancies in these patients are less known. For this purpose, we evaluated 2 groups of women with MFS who were under specialized care in our institution. Group A included 23 women with MFS who experienced 55 pregnancies; group B included 12 nulliparous MFS patients. Patients in group A were similar in age (36.13 ± 5.6 years vs. 34.25 ± 6.54 years, p = 0.41) and follow-up time (group A 6.05 ± 3.56 years and group B 4.92 ± 3.37 years, p = 0.37). Baseline aortic root diameters as well as the aortic root diameters at follow-up visits were similar between groups (35.60 ± 4.42 vs. 35.08 ± 3.82 mm, p = 0.73, and 37.57 ± 4.66 vs. 37.33 ± 4.83 mm, p = 0.89, respectively). The aortic root diameter increased by 0.5 (0, 2) mm in group A and 1 (0, 4.5) mm in group B (p = 0.54). The rate of aortic dilation per year of follow-up was similar between the groups (0.34 ± 0.52 mm/year in group A vs. 0.55 ± 0.75 mm/year in group B [p = 0.52]). Chronic medical treatment was similar in both groups. Patients in both groups were treated similarly with ß-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers. In summary, subsequent pregnancies in patients with MFS were not associated with an increase in the rate of aortic root dilation in these patients.

Amniotic fluid embolism - implementation of international diagnosis criteria and subsequent pregnancy recurrence risk.

OBJECTIVES: An international diagnostic criterion for amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) diagnosis has recently been published. Data regarding subsequent pregnancies is scarce. We sought to implement recent diagnostic criteria and detail subsequent pregnancies in survivors. METHODS: A case series of all suspected AFE cases at a tertiary medical center between 2003 and 2018 is presented. Cases meeting the diagnostic criteria for AFE were included. Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes described. Pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies in AFE survivors detailed. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2018 14 women were clinically suspected with AFE and 12 of them (85.71%) met the diagnostic criteria for AFE. Three cases occurred during midtrimester dilation and evacuation procedures, and the remaining occurred in the antepartum period. Of the antepartum cases, mode of delivery was cesarean delivery or vacuum extraction for expedited delivery due to presentation of AFE in 8/9 cases (88.88%). Clinical presentation included cardiovascular collapse, respiratory distress and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Heart failure of varying severity was diagnosed in 75% (9/12) cases. Composite maternal morbidity was 5/12 (41.66%), without cases of maternal mortality. 11 subsequent pregnancies occurred in four AFE survivors. Pregnant women were followed by a high-risk pregnancy specialist and multidisciplinary team if pregnancy continued beyond the early second trimester. Six pregnancies resulted in a term delivery. No recurrences of AFE were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a diagnostic criterion for diagnosis of AFE results in a more precise diagnosis of AFE. Nevertheless, the accuracy of clinical diagnosis is still high. Subsequent pregnancies were not associated with AFE recurrence.

Impact of the mode of conception on gestational hypertensive disorders at very advanced maternal age.

RESEARCH QUESTION: To study gestational hypertensive disorders in oocyte donation pregnancies compared with other modes of conception at very advanced maternal age. DESIGN: A historical cohort study of all women aged 45-47 years who gave birth to singletons at a tertiary medical centre between March 2011 and May 2018, at 24 weeks' gestation or later. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between donor oocyte (IVF-OD), IVF using autologous oocytes (IVF-A) and naturally conceived pregnancies. A multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the mode of conception and gestational hypertensive disorders. RESULTS: The final analysis included 159, 68 and 73 patients in the IVF-OD, IVF-A and natural conception groups, respectively. The rate of gestational hypertensive disorders was significantly higher among those who conceived by IVF compared with those who conceived naturally but did not differ between the two IVF groups (27.0% for IVF-OD, 19.1% for IVF-A, P = 0.204; 5.5% for natural conception, P < 0.001 and P = 0.013 compared with IVF-OD and IVF-A, respectively). The results remained similar in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The rate of Caesarean deliveries was significantly higher in the IVF-OD and IVF-A groups compared with the natural conception group (83.6%, 70.6% and 37.0%, respectively, P < 0.001), but other pregnancy outcomes did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: IVF pregnancies in the late fifth decade of life were associated with significantly higher rates of gestational hypertensive disorders compared with naturally conceived pregnancies. No difference existed between the two IVF groups. These results may highlight the impact of IVF itself on gestational hypertensive disorders at very advanced maternal age.

Maternal and Neonatal Complications of Pregnant Women with Mitral Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) is a relatively rare diagnosis in the developed countries and its treatment during pregnancy is challenging due to hemodynamic changes. With the demographic changes due to recent waves of immigration an increase in the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease is expected. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate maternal and neonatal complications in patients with mitral stenosis. METHODS: During the years 2006-2017, 22 women who underwent 31 pregnancies were followed at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel. We collected on regarding hemodynamic changes and their clinical course. MS was classified as mild, moderate, or severe according to mitral valve area by echocardiography. Maternal and fetal adverse events were evaluated according to severity of MS and compared by Poisson regression modeling. RESULTS: MS was severe in 7 pregnancies (22.6%), moderate in 9 (29%), and mild in 15 (48.4%). Twenty patients were managed conservatively and 2 underwent a successful percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PBMVP) during pregnancy. All pregnancies ended with a liveborn neonate and with no maternal mortality. Peak and mean mitral pressure gradients increased during pregnancy from 13.3 ± 5.3 to 18.6 ± 5.1 mmHg and from 5.9 ± 2.3 to 9.6 ± 3.4 mmHg respectively (P < 0.05). Eight pregnancies (25.8%) were complicated by pulmonary congestion, 2/15 (13.3%) with mild MS, 2/9 (22.2%) with moderate, and 4/7 (57.1%) with severe MS. The adverse event rate was higher among patients with severe MS compared with moderate and mild MS [hazard ratio (HR) 3.15, 95% confidence interval (95%CA) 1.04-9.52 and HR 4.06, 95%CI 1.4-11.19 respectively, P < 0.05]. Nine of 31 deliveries were vaginal; 6 of 22 cesarean sections (27.3%) were performed for cardiac indications. CONCLUSIONS: The number of total adverse events were higher among patients with severe MS. Patients with moderate and mild MS should be treated attentively, but good obstetric and maternal outcome can be expected.

A man-made disease: Fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to incompatibility between oocyte donor and gestational mother.

The incompatibility causing fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) results from a fetus inheriting a paternal human platelet antigen (HPA), which is different from the maternal HPA. We present a unique case of FNAIT in a pregnancy involving an oocyte recipient mother with Turner syndrome. This is the first report of FNAIT in which the suggested mechanism involves antibodies produced by a gestational mother against the incompatible HPA of the oocyte donor.

A simple model for prediction postpartum PTSD in high-risk pregnancies.

This study aimed to examine the prevalence and possible antepartum risk factors of complete and partial post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women with complicated pregnancies and to define a predictive model for postpartum PTSD in this population. Women attending the high-risk pregnancy outpatient clinics at Sheba Medical Center completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a questionnaire regarding demographic variables, history of psychological and psychiatric treatment, previous trauma, previous childbirth, current pregnancy medical and emotional complications, fears from childbirth, and expected pain. One month after delivery, women were requested to repeat the EPDS and complete the Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) via telephone interview. The prevalence rates of postpartum PTSD (9.9 %) and partial PTSD (11.9 %) were relatively high. PTSD and partial PTSD were associated with sadness or anxiety during past pregnancy or childbirth, previous very difficult birth experiences, preference for cesarean section in future childbirth, emotional crises during pregnancy, increased fear of childbirth, higher expected intensity of pain, and depression during pregnancy. We created a prediction model for postpartum PTSD which shows a linear growth in the probability for developing postpartum PTSD when summing these seven antenatal risk factors. Postpartum PTSD is extremely prevalent after complicated pregnancies. A simple questionnaire may aid in identifying at-risk women before childbirth. This presents a potential for preventing or minimizing postpartum PTSD in this population.

Neonatal morbidities and need for intervention in twins and singletons born at 34-35 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare indications for delivery and neonatal morbidities between twins and singletons born between 34 and 35 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study was performed in which all infants born between January and August 2008, at Sheba Medical Center at 34 0/7-35 6/7 weeks of gestational age were included. Indications for delivery, infants' morbidities and medical interventions were documented. Twins and singletons were compared for antenatal maternal characteristics, risks of short-term neonatal complications and interventions. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-three mothers and 229 neonates (114 twins and 115 singletons) were included. Background maternal characteristics as well as the use of antenatal steroids and MgSO4 were similar between the groups. Only 44% of all deliveries were spontaneous, while the rest were indicated deliveries. Twins were born lighter and 31.9% of them were SGA. Nevertheless, singletons were significantly more likely to receive medical interventions such as prolonged oxygen use (>1 day) and phototherapy. All late preterm infants (n=5) needing surfactant administration were singletons. Overall, the risk of needing any medical intervention was significantly higher for singletons compared with twins (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.02-3.2). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of late preterm births is iatrogenic. Twins and singletons are dissimilar with regards to risks of short-term complications. Despite being born smaller and more SGA, twins are at lower risk of requiring medical intervention in the immediate neonatal period compared with singletons.

Combined effect of fetal sex and advanced maternal age on pregnancy outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Fetal sex and maternal age are each known to affect outcomes of pregnancies. The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of the combination of maternal age and fetal sex on pregnancy outcomes in term and post-term singleton pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study on term singleton pregnancies delivered between 2004 and 2008 at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center. Data collected included maternal age, fetal sex, and maternal and neonatal complications. The combined effect of fetal sex and maternal age on complications of pregnancy was assessed by multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: The study population comprised 37,327 pregnancies. The risk of operative deliveries increased with maternal age ≥ 40 and in pregnancies with male fetuses. The risk of maternal diabetes and of longer hospitalization increased as maternal age increased, and in women ≥ 40 carrying male fetuses. The risk of hypertensive disorders increased in pregnancies with males as maternal age advanced. The risk of shoulder dystocia and neonatal respiratory complications increased in male neonates born to women<40. The risk of neonatal hypoglycemia increased in males for all maternal ages. CONCLUSIONS: Risk assessment for fetal sex and advanced maternal age were given for different pregnancy complications. Knowledge of fetal sex adds value to the risk assessment of pregnancies as maternal age increases.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy ­ risk factors, characteristics and long-term follow-up.

AIMS: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an infrequent form of cardiomyopathy causing significant maternal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors, characteristics and prognosis of PPCM during the index and subsequent pregnancies. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 36 women with PPCM in a tertiary medical center was analyzed and compared with 10,370 women who gave birth during a single calendar year at the same institution. RESULTS: Women diagnosed with PPCM were older (mean 33.5 years) than controls. A significantly higher proportion were primiparous (63.9%), carried multifetal pregnancies (33.3%) and had hypertensive pregnancy complications (38.9%). Thirty-six percent of PPCM patients conceived with in vitro fertilization, and six of them received ovum donation. Twenty-two women had severe left ventricular dysfunction at diagnosis, and these women tended to remain with residual disease, compared with women with milder ventricular dysfunction at diagnosis. Eight patients recovered completely within 2 weeks of diagnosis. Women who recovered early (n=8) had significantly higher ejection fractions on last follow-up compared with women (n=28) who had late or partial recovery. Nine women had 14 additional pregnancies; of them eight women had normal cardiac functions on subsequent pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for peripartum cardiomyopathy include primiparity, hypertension and multifetal pregnancies. Assisted reproduction techniques are not independently associated with PPCM but rather through other risk factors for PPCM. The degree of cardiac dysfunction at diagnosis and time to recovery are important prognostic factors.

Advanced cervical dilatation and spontaneous preterm labor: a comparison between twin and singleton gestations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the admission to delivery interval and the rate of immediate delivery in twin versus singleton gestation complicated by spontaneous preterm labor (SPTL). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of pregnant women presenting with advanced cervical dilatation of 3-5 cm and frequent uterine contractions at 24-34 weeks of gestation was performed. The rate of progression to delivery within 12 h and 24 h, as well as rates of prolonged latency, were compared between twins and singletons gestations. RESULTS: Sixty-nine women were included, of which 25 carried twins and 44 singletons. The overall rate of spontaneous delivery within 12 h and 24 h was 47.8% and 59.4%, respectively, and similar between twins and singletons. Nevertheless, prolonged latency of 10 days or more after presentation was more frequent among twins compared with singletons [10/25 (40%) vs. 7/44 (15.9%), respectively; P=0.026]. Moreover, women carrying twins presenting with advanced cervical dilatation had a better chance of completing a full 2-dose antenatal betamethasone course compared with singletons [19/25 (76%) of twins compared with 21/44 (47.7%) of singletons, odds ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.16-10.34; P=0.022]. CONCLUSION: Up to 60% of women presenting with advanced cervical dilatation prior to 34 weeks' gestation give birth within 24 h. Nevertheless, women carrying twins have a better chance of completing a betamethasone course and having prolonged latency compared with singletons.

Peripartum thromboprophylaxis for homozygous and heterozygous FVL mutation carriers yields similar pregnancy outcome.

BACKGROUND: Homozygous carriers of factor V Leiden (FVL) have an up to 80-fold increased risk of venous thrombosis, but the risk of obstetric complications in FVL homozygosity is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To compare obstetric and thromboembolic complications among factor V Leiden (FVL) homozygous and heterozygous carriers treated with prophylactic dose anticoagulation during pregnancy. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study we performed a chart review for the years 2004-2010 of homozygous and heterozygous FVL carriers who were treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg/day during pregnancy. Adverse outcomes included thromboembolic and obstetric complications. A composite adverse obstetric outcome was defined as the presence of at least one of the following: late intrauterine fetal demise, severe intrauterine growth restriction (< 5th percentile), preeclampsia, and placental abruption. Pregnancy outcomes of homozygous and heterozygous FVL carriers were compared. RESULTS: We compared the pregnancies of 13 homozygous FVL women with those of 82 heterozygous FVL carriers. Thromboembolic events occurred only in heterozygous FVL controls. Gestational age and birth weight were similar. The composite adverse obstetric outcome rate was higher for homozygous compared with heterozygous FVL carriers (23.1% vs. 11%, respectively), although not statistically significant. A trend for prematurity among homozygous FVL patients was evident, with 2/13 women (15.3%) in the homozygous FVL group giving birth before 34 weeks gestation, compared with only 2/82 (2.3%) in the heterozygous group. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy outcome was similar for homozygous and heterozygous FVL carriers on LMWH thromboprophylaxis. The overall likelihood of thromboembolic complications was low. Thromboprophylaxis may decrease the risk for placental and thromboembolic complications in homozygous FVL patients to a similar level as in heterozygotes.

Outcomes of IVF treatments in women with antiphospholipid antibodies or antiphospholipid syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Ovulation induction for in vitro fertilization (IVF) may increase intravascular thromboses among patients with antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPLs) or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) due to the high estrogen levels. While natural or modified natural IVF treatment cycles (MNC) are sometimes used instead of stimulated cycles with empiric anticoagulant treatment among these infertile patients, their efficacy is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including all IVF cycles of patients diagnosed with aPLs or APS in a tertiary, university-affiliated hospital between 2012 and 2022. The outcomes of stimulated cycles with anticoagulants and MNC and natural IVF cycle attempts were compared. RESULTS: 121 oocyte retrievals from 38 women were analyzed: 93 stimulated and 28 MNC or natural IVF cycles. The rates of cycle cancellation (0 % vs. 17.9 %, p < 0.001) and cycles in which no oocytes were retrieved (0 % vs. 43.5 %, p < 0.001) were significantly lower following stimulated cycles vs. natural and MNC. In parallel, positive ß-hCG (31.9 % vs. 10.9 %, p = 0.03), clinical pregnancy rate (23.6 % and 3.6 %, p < 0.001) and live birth rates (18.1 % vs. 3.6 %, p = 0.01) were significantly higher following stimulated cycles. No thrombotic events or bleeding occurred in any cycle. CONCLUSION: Ovarian stimulation for IVF is more effective for successful pregnancy and delivery than natural cycles and MNC and can be safely undertaken in aPLs or APS women undergoing IVF. Rates of complication from hormonal treatment are not increased when treated with LMWH during ovarian stimulation.

The impact of genetic and environmental factors on homocysteine levels in preterm neonates.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia may be associated with vascular complications in adults. Whereas pediatric thrombosis risk peaks in neonates, data on homocysteine (Hcy) levels assessed in term and preterm infants during the perinatal period are scarce. In the present study, we aimed to establish Hcy reference values for preterm infants and study their potential associations with the early post-natal health status. Plasma Hcy and hematocrit levels and MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C substitution) were studied in a large cohort of preterm infants in a tertiary referral medical center during an 18-month period. Data were collected on maternal history and delivery as well as on post-natal complications. RESULTS: The study cohort included 167 infants whose mean gestational age was 30.98 ± 2.34 weeks (range: 26-36 weeks), mean birth weight 1327.6 ± 327 g, and mean Hcy level 7.99 ± 3.27 (range: 2.2-21.2) µmol/L. Maternal intake of folic acid was inversely associated with the babies' Hcy levels (P = 0.0001). Increased Hcy levels positively correlated with birth weight, gestational age (P < 0.005), total number of pregnancies (P = 0.012), and presence of MTHFR polymorphism. Higher Hcy levels were associated with feeding (P = 0.008), especially total parenteral nutrition (P = 0.0001). There was no correlation between Hcy levels and any vascular post-natal complications. CONCLUSIONS: During their post-natal hospitalization, preterm infants may have relatively high, that is, within the adult normal range, Hcy levels which are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Despite the fact that no correlation was found between Hcy levels and post-natal complications, these associations should be further studied.

Subsequent pregnancy after stillbirth: obstetrical and medical risks.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate obstetric outcome after stillbirth according to placental and prothrombotic risk factors. METHODS: Obstetric outcomes of women with prior stillbirth and subsequent pregnancies were reviewed. Data on the immediate subsequent pregnancy included fetal loss, stillbirth, obstetric/medical complications, gestational age and birth weight at delivery, mode of delivery, thrombophilia, and prescribed medication. Placental stillbirth was defined as stillbirth associated with placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), or histological evidence of placental infarcts. Controls were unselected women who gave birth at our center during a single calendar year. Factors influencing recurrence risks were estimated. RESULTS: Seventy-three subsequent pregnancies were identified. Five out of 73 (6.8%) women had a repeat stillbirth, significantly higher than controls (relative risk 22.2, 95% confidence interval 8.9-55.4). Four out of five repeat stillbirth cases occurred <37 weeks gestation. Hypertensive complications, diabetes and abruption were higher, while gestational age and birth weight at delivery were significantly lower than controls. Prior placental stillbirth was associated with a 10.5 times higher risk of IUGR in the subsequent pregnancy compared with non-placental stillbirth. All five repeat stillbirth cases occurred in thrombophilic women. CONCLUSION: Women with prior stillbirth face an increased risk of pregnancy complications and stillbirth recurrence, especially with concurrent thrombophilia. Most repeat stillbirth cases occur preterm.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of large for gestational age pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of term large for gestational age (LGA) pregnancies and adequate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Large university research medical center. POPULATION: All term singleton LGA (birthweight ≥ 90th percentile) and AGA pregnancies (birthweight 10.1-89.9th percentile) delivering between 2004 and 2008. METHODS: Data collected included maternal age, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birthweight, fetal sex, and maternal and neonatal complications. Birthweight percentiles were determined according to locally derived gender-specific birthweight tables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparisons between LGA and AGA pregnancies and between LGA 90-94.9th, 95-98.9th and ≥ 99th percentile. RESULTS: The study population comprised 34 685 pregnancies; 3900 neonates matched the definition of term LGA. Maternal age and gestational age at delivery were significantly higher for LGA neonates. Significantly more LGA neonates were born by cesarean section, and significantly more LGA pregnancies were complicated by postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), shoulder dystocia or neonatal hypoglycemia, and had a longer hospitalization period. Maternal and neonatal risks increased as birthweight increased from the 90-94.9th to 95-98.9th to ≥ 99th percentile. Specifically, the risks of shoulder dystocia (odds ratio 2.61, 3.35 and 5.11, respectively), PPH (odds ratio 1.81, 2.12 and 3.92, respectively) and neonatal hypoglycemia (odds ratio 2.53, 3.8 and 5.19, respectively) all increased linearly with birthweight percentile. CONCLUSIONS: Large for gestational age pregnancies are associated with an increased rate of cesarean section, PPH, shoulder dystocia and neonatal hypoglycemia, as well as longer hospitalization. These risks increase as the birth percentile rises. These risks need to be emphasized in pre-delivery counseling.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of macrosomic pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of term macrosomic and adequate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies. MATERIAL/METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on all term singleton macrosomic (birth weight ≥4000 g) and AGA (birth weight >10th percentile and <4000 g) pregnancies delivered at our hospital between 2004 and 2008. Data collected included maternal age, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight, fetal gender, maternal and neonatal complications. Comparisons were made between macrosomic and AGA pregnancies and between different severities of macrosomia (4000-4250 g, 4250-4500 g and ≥4500 g). RESULTS: The study population comprised of 34,685 pregnancies. 2077 neonates had birth weight ≥4000 g. Maternal age and gestational age at delivery were significantly higher for macrosomic neonates. Significantly more macrosomic neonates were born by cesarean section, and were complicated with shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and had longer hospitalization period (both in vaginal and cesarean deliveries). Specifically, the odds ratio (OR) relative to AGA pregnancies for each macrosomic category (4000-4250 g, 4250-4500 g and ≥4500 g) of shoulder dystocia was 2.37, 2.24, 7.61, respectively, and for neonatal hypoglycemia 4.24, 4.41, 4.15, respectively. The risk of post partum hemorrhage was statistically increased when birth weight was >4500 g (OR=5.23) but not for birth weight between 4000-4500 g. No differences were found in the rates of extensive perineal lacerations between AGA and the different macrosomic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Macrosomia is associated with increased rate of cesarean section, shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and longer hospitalization, but not associated with excessive perineal tears. Increased risk of PPH was found in the >4500 g group.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants born to preeclamptic mothers - A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for various neonatal morbidities. We aimed to investigate the association between prematurity due to maternal preeclampsia and developmental outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective matched case-control study included 39 preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation) born to preeclamptic mothers between 2012 and 2016, compared with 39 infants born to mothers without preeclampsia. The two groups were matched for gestational age (±1 week), gender and plurality. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed using the Griffith's Mental Developmental Scales at 6, 12 and 24 months corrected age. RESULTS: The groups were comparable in terms of gestational age (30.2 weeks vs 29.8, P = 0.6), exposure to antenatal glucocorticosteroids and magnesium sulfate. The two groups differed significantly in birthweight so that cases had significantly lower birthweight, 1100 (IQR 844.5-1316.5) vs. 1370 (IQR 1174-1604.5) grams. 19/39 (48.7%) cases were small for gestational age compared with only 4/39 (10.3%) controls (P < 0.01). 16/39 of cases were born less than 1000 g, compared with only 5/39 controls (41% vs 12.8%, P < 0.01). Early complications were similar. Compared with controls, an overall trend for better neurodevelopmental performance on Griffith's score was found for cases, especially for early (6 months) non-motor performance. All severely disabled infants (Griffith's score < 55) at 24 months assessment were among controls. CONCLUSION: Although significantly smaller and smaller for gestational age, neurodevelopmental assessment by Griffiths' Mental Development Scales was similar for cases and controls with a trend towards better performance of cases at 6 months. Further studies are needed to determine whether the trend for better performance implies a developmental advantage.

Diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma during pregnancy: case report, review of the literature, and an update on current treatments.

The simultaneous occurrence of pregnancy and multiple myeloma (MM) is rare. The challenge of diagnosing MM during pregnancy is demonstrated in the case presented here. Despite the rarity of concurrent MM and pregnancy, this possibility should be considered in patients with signs and symptoms that may be attributed to MM so as not to delay the diagnosis and decision about pregnancy continuation and initiation of an appropriate and safe therapy to the mother and fetus. Treating physicians should be aware of the potential effects of MM therapies on the fetus and pregnancy outcomes.

High positive antibody titers and adverse pregnancy outcome in women with antiphospholipid syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), high positive antibody titers are associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. SETTING: Sheba Medical Center, Israel, a tertiary referral center. POPULATION SAMPLE: Pregnant women with APS. METHODS: Anticardiolipin, a-ß2-glycoprotein I antibodies, and lupus anticoagulant were measured before pregnancy. Women were divided into those with antibody titers >four times the upper limit of normal (high positive titer, HPT group), and the rest, into the positive titer (PT) group. All women were treated with daily enoxaparin and aspirin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Composite adverse fetal/neonatal outcome, defined as one or more of the following: fetal/neonatal loss, preterm birth ≤ 32 weeks, and birthweight below than 10th percentile. Composite adverse fetal/neonatal outcome was compared between the HPT and PT groups. Maternal adverse outcomes were also compared. RESULTS: 51 women with APS were followed during 55 pregnancies, 20 in the HPT and 35 in the PT groups. The two groups were similar with regard to previous obstetric and clinical characteristics. Among HPT women, only 7/20 (35%) pregnancies culminated in appropriately grown, live-born infants >32 weeks' gestation, compared with 27/35 (77%) PT pregnancies. The risk of adverse fetal/neonatal outcome was 5.7 times higher (95%CI 1.9-17.7) for HPT than for PT women. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women with APS and high positive antiphospholipid antibody titers are a unique and extremely high risk group for adverse fetal/neonatal outcome. Stricter surveillance and possibly additional therapy options should be explored for this patient population.

Early-onset preeclampsia - The impact of antiphospholipid antibodies on disease severity.

OBJECTIVES: Antiphospholipid antibodies have been associated with various obstetric complications, including recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, placental insufficiency, and late fetal loss. Despite the amassed body of evidence emphasizing the association between antiphospholipid antibodies and preeclampsia, the severity of preeclampsia with regard to antiphospholipid antibodies status has not been elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate whether early-onset preeclampsia with severe features before 34 weeks' gestation is clinically different when associated with antiphospholipid antibodies. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective case-control study, we collected data on pregnancy outcomes of 101 women with singleton pregnancies who delivered prior to 34 weeks of gestation due to preeclampsia with severe features. The antiphospholipid antibodies status of 55 of these women was available for analysis. The study group comprised 20 women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies (positive-aPL group), while the control group comprised 35 women without antiphospholipid antibodies (negative-aPL group). Obstetric and neonatal outcomes, laboratory results and pregnancy complications were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: In the clinical setting of early-onset preeclampsia with severe features necessitating delivery before 34 weeks gestation, positive-aPL women were hospitalized earlier (29, IQR 26.3-32, vs. 32, IQR 28-33 weeks gestation, P = 0.05), gave birth at a significantly earlier gestational age (30, IQR 28.3-32.8 vs. 33, IQR 30-34, P = 0.02) with a lower mean birth-weight (1266.7 ±â€¯579.6 vs. 1567.3 ±â€¯539.7 g, P = 0.058) compared with negative-aPL women. Furthermore, platelet nadir was significantly lower for positive-aPL compared with negative-aPL women (97 ±â€¯49×103/µL vs. 141 ±â€¯61×103/µL, P < 0.001) and maximal serum creatinine was higher (1.0 ±â€¯0.3 mg/dL vs. 0.9 ±â€¯0.1 mg/dL, P = 0.03). Rates of neonatal complications were low and comparable between groups, except for higher rates of retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment in the study group (30.0% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.02), and there was a trend for higher perinatal mortality among study group infants. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in women with early-onset preeclampsia with severe features is associated with earlier, more severe disease course. Expedited screening for antiphospholipid antibodies in cases of early-onset severe preeclampsia may be considered, along with close monitoring for pregnant women with positive antibodies.