Healthy preterm newborns: Altered innate immunity and impaired monocyte function.

Birth prior to 37 completed weeks of gestation is referred to as preterm (PT). Premature newborns are at increased risk of developing infections as neonatal immunity is a developing structure. Monocytes, which are key players after birth, activate inflammasomes. Investigations into the identification of innate immune profiles in premature compared to full-term infants are limited. Our research includes the investigation of monocytes and NK cells, gene expression, and plasma cytokine levels to investigate any potential differences among a cohort of 68 healthy PT and full-term infants. According to high-dimensional flow cytometry, PT infants have higher proportions of CD56+/- CD16+ NK cells and immature monocytes, and lower proportions of classical monocytes. Gene expression revealed lower proportions of inflammasome activation after in vitro monocyte stimulation and the quantification of plasma cytokine levels expressed higher concentrations of alarmin S100A8. Our findings suggest that PT newborns have altered innate immunity and monocyte functional impairment, and pro-inflammatory plasmatic profile. This may explain PT infants' increased susceptibility to infectious disease and should pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies and clinical interventions.

Neuroprotective effect of hormone replacement therapy: a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Menopause is a physiological period characterized by the cessation of ovarian activity. Sequential changes during this transition affect multiple systems, including the brain. Sixty percent of women experience cognitive impairment. The objective of this review is to show the neuroprotective effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) through the different scales and whether there is a benefit of this in women. METHOD: A search was conducted in six databases. Eligibility criteria included women within 10 years of menopause, receiving HRT controlled with placebo, studies lasting more than 6 months and women without a history of chronic underlying pathology. RESULTS: A total of nine randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Regarding memory, two studies reported better performance of HRT with a significant odds ratio (OR) of 0.67; regarding attention, one study reported potential improvement in women receiving HRT with a significant OR of 0.87; and neuroimaging assessment found an increase in ventricular volume compared to placebo over a 3-year period. CONCLUSIONS: The early initiation of menopausal HRT in healthy women appears to yield a positive effect on certain cognitive aspects, such as attention and cortical volume in the central nervous system. These findings should be confirmed through future prospective studies.

Paternal age and perinatal outcomes: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The study's primary aim was to examine the relationship between paternal age and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This study used data from two hospital birth registries to examine the association between paternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes. The sample included all live singleton births between 2010 and 2022. The primary exposure was paternal age, and the following perinatal outcomes were considered: mode of conception, mode of delivery, pregnancy complications, and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 15,232 pregnant women were considered. Maternal and paternal ages were 31.9 ± 5.3 and 36.5 ± 6.5 years, respectively. Independent of maternal, paternal age was associated with lower odds of spontaneous conceptions (OR 0.930, 95 % CI 0.968/0.993; p=0.003) and higher odds of intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (OR 1.054, 95 % CI 1.045/1.062; p=0.0001), respectively. In contrast to maternal age, paternal age decreased the odds of any (OR 0.922, 95 % CI 0.985/0.999; p=0.032) and urgent/emergent (OR 0.984, 95 % CI 0.975/0.993; p=0.0001) cesarean delivery. Paternal age did not affect the gestation length, placental or neonatal weight, blood loss during delivery, and neonatal 5th-minute Apgar score. CONCLUSIONS: Paternal age is associated with perinatal outcomes. These findings suggest that advanced paternal age may have implications for reproductive counseling and prenatal care.

Nutraceuticals and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of the literature.

BackgroundThis study proposes a review of nutraceuticals used in the treatment of typical symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).The aim is to provide a classification of the most widely used nutraceutical supplements identifying the most effective nutraceuticals on glucose and insulin metabolism, the androgenic hormone profile, fertility, ovulatory capacity, inflammation, and oxidative stress.Material and MethodsWe included randomized controlled trials on PCOS patients undergoing administration of nutraceuticals, in particular vitamin D, vitamin E, probiotics, and inositols. These administrations are variable in terms of dosage, single supplementation, or combined with other compounds, dosage, and duration of the intervention.ResultsThe supplementation of inositols, at the physiologic ratio of 40: 1 of myo- and D-chiro-inositols, resulted to be the most effective in improving the glucose homeostasis and fertility, with a restoration of ovulatory capacity and menstrual regularity. Other nutraceuticals are particularly effective in reducing hyperandrogenism, with promising results demonstrated by the combinations of vitamin D and probiotics, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10, and the enrichment of inositol therapy with group B vitamins. An improvement in the inflammatory status and antioxidant capacity is obtained with the co-supplementation of probiotics and selenium or with vitamin E combined with omega 3.ConclusionsInositol supplementation is effective in the treatment of insulin resistance and fertility. Probiotics reduced hyperandrogenism, inflammatory and oxidative conditions, and resulted more effective when combined with selenium. Although these results proved to be satisfactory, further studies are needed with larger samples and a more homogeneous analysis of the outcomes.

Perinatal outcomes in women affected by different types of headache disorders: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women with tension-type headache, migraine without aura and migraine with aura by comparing them to women without any headache disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies attending the first trimester aneuploidy screening at the University Hospital of Modena, in Northern Italy, between June 2018 and December 2019. RESULTS: A total of 515 consecutive women were included and headache disorders were reported in 43.5% of them (224/515). Tension-type headache was diagnosed in 24.3% of the cases, while 14% suffered from migraine without aura and 5.2% from migraine with aura. Birthweight was significantly lower in women affected by migraine with aura respective to other groups, and a significantly higher rate of small for gestational age infants was found in tension-type headache (10.4%) and in migraine with aura (24.9%) groups respective to the others (p < 0.001). Moreover, the admission to the neonatal intensive care unit was significantly higher in all the headache groups (p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis showed that women presenting tension-type headache (OR 4.19, p = 0.004), migraine with aura (OR 5.37, p = 0.02), a uterine artery pulsatility index >90th centile (OR 3.66, p = 0.01), low multiple of the median (MoM) of Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) (OR 0.48, p = 0.05) and high MoM of Inhibin-A (OR 3.24, p = 0.03) at first trimester, are independently associated with the delivery of small for gestational age infants when compared to women without headache disorders. CONCLUSION: Migraine with aura and tension type headache expose women to an increased risk of delivering small for gestational age infants, in association with some utero-placenta markers evaluated at first trimester. These women with headache disorders have an additional indication to undergo first trimester aneuploidy screening and would possibly benefit from specific interventions.

A first trimester prediction model for large for gestational age infants: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Large for gestational age infants (LGA) have increased risk of adverse short-term perinatal outcomes. This study aims to develop a multivariable prediction model for the risk of giving birth to a LGA baby, by using biochemical, biophysical, anamnestic, and clinical maternal characteristics available at first trimester. METHODS: Prospective study that included all singleton pregnancies attending the first trimester aneuploidy screening at the Obstetric Unit of the University Hospital of Modena, in Northern Italy, between June 2018 and December 2019. RESULTS: A total of 503 consecutive women were included in the analysis. The final prediction model for LGA, included multiparity (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6-4.9, p = 0.001), pre-pregnancy BMI (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.14, p = 0.002) and PAPP-A MoM (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.08-1.90, p = 0.013). The area under the ROC curve was 70.5%, indicating a satisfactory predictive accuracy. The best predictive cut-off for this score was equal to - 1.378, which corresponds to a 20.1% probability of having a LGA infant. By using such a cut-off, the risk of LGA can be predicted in our sample with sensitivity of 55.2% and specificity of 79.0%. CONCLUSION: At first trimester, a model including multiparity, pre-pregnancy BMI and PAPP-A satisfactorily predicted the risk of giving birth to a LGA infant. This promising tool, once applied early in pregnancy, would identify women deserving targeted interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04838431 , 09/04/2021.

Premature ovarian senescence and a high miscarriage rate impair fertility in women with HCV.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Premenopausal women who are HCV positive (HCV+) have failing ovarian function, which is likely to impact their fertility. Thus, we investigated the reproductive history, risk of infertility, and pregnancy outcomes in women of childbearing age who were HCV+. METHODS: Three different groups were studied: (1) Clinical cohort: 100 women who were HCV+ and also had chronic liver disease (CLD), age matched with 50 women who were HBV+ with CLD and with 100 healthy women; all women were consecutively observed in three gastroenterology units in hospitals in Italy; (2) 1,998 women who were HCV+ and enrolled in the Italian Platform for the Study of Viral Hepatitis Therapies (PITER); (3) 6,085 women, who were mono-infected with HCV, and 20,415 women, who were HCV-, from a large de-identified insurance database from the USA. MEASUREMENTS: total fertility rate (TFR) defined as the average number of children that a woman would bear during her lifetime. To define the reproductive stage of each participant, levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and 17ß-estradiol were measured. RESULTS: Clinical cohort: women who were either HCV+ or HBV+ had similar CLD severity and age at first pregnancy. Based on a multivariate analysis, women who were HCV+ had a higher risk of miscarriage than those who were HBV+ (odds ratio [OR] 6,905; 95% CI 1.771-26.926). Among women who were HCV+, incidence of miscarriage was correlated with median AMH level (1.0 ng/ml). Achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR) after antiviral treatment reduced the risk of miscarriage (OR 0.255; 95% CI 0.090-0.723). In the PITER-HCV cohort, miscarriage occurred in 42.0% of women (44.6% had multiple miscarriages). TFR for women who were HCV+ and between 15 and 49 years of age was 0.7 vs. 1.37 of Italian population of the same age range. In the US cohort: compared with women who were HCV-, women who were HCV+ positive were significantly more likely to have infertility (OR 2.439; 95% CI 2.130-2.794), premature birth (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.060-1.690), gestational diabetes (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.020-1.510), and pre-eclampsia (OR 1.206; 95% CI 0.935-1.556), and were less likely to have a live birth (OR 0.754; 95% CI 0.622-0.913). CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian senescence in women of childbearing age who are HCV+ is associated with a lower chance of live birth, greater risk of infertility, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and miscarriage. Such risks could be positively influenced by successful HCV cure. LAY SUMMARY: Most new cases of HCV infection are among people who inject drugs, many of whom are young women in their childbearing years. Women of reproductive age who are HCV+ display markers of ovarian senescence. This is associated with an increased burden in terms of infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth, miscarriage, fewer live births, and gestational diabetes. Early viral suppression with therapy is likely to mitigate these risks.

Adherence to a lifestyle programme in overweight/obese pregnant women and effect on gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aims to determine whether the prescription of a detailed lifestyle programme in overweight/obese pregnant women influences the occurrence of gestational diabetes (GDM), and if this kind of prescription increases the adherence to a healthier lifestyle in comparison to standard care. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial, with open allocation, enrolling women at 9-12 weeks of pregnancy with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 . The women assigned to the Intervention group (I = 96) received a hypocaloric, low-glycaemic, low-saturated fat diet and physical activity recommendations. Those assigned to the Standard Care group (SC = 95) received lifestyle advices regarding healthy nutrition and exercise. Follow-up was planned at the 16th , 20th , 28th and 36th weeks. A total of 131 women completed the study (I = 69, SC = 62). The diet adherence was higher in the I (57.9%) than in the SC (38.7%) group. GDM occurred less frequently in the I (18.8%) than in the SC (37.1%, P = 0.019) group. The adherent women from either groups showed a lower GDM rate (12.5% vs. 41.8%, P < 0.001). After correcting for confounders, the GDM rate was explained by allocation into the I group (P = 0.034) and a lower BMI category (P = 0.039). The rates of hypertension, preterm birth, induction of labour, large for gestational age babies and birthweight > 4000 g were significantly lower in I group. The incidence of small for gestational age babies was not different. These findings demonstrate that the adherence to a personalized, hypocaloric, low-glycaemic, low-saturated fat diet started early in pregnancy prevents GDM occurrence, in women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 .

Poor Folate Intake in a North Italian Pregnant Population: an Epidemiological Survey.

BACKGROUND: The association between folic acid (FA) insufficiency and congenital malformations has been demonstrated in over the past two decades. The aim of the present study was to investigate the use and timing of folate intake among a large sample of pregnant women in a north Italian region. METHODS: A multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted over a 14-month period in the maternity wards of five general hospitals (2301 women). Data were collected via a face-to-face interview. RESULTS: Seven hundred sixty women (33%) took at least one product containing FA. Seven hundred thirty-three (31.8%) women consumed multivitamins containing 413 (17.9%) consumed products containing FA only and 17 (0.7%) 15 mg of levofolinic acid. Only 0.9% of all women took FA before pregnancy 72.5% of women who consumed FA started during the first trimester. The most common dosage was 0.4 mg (19.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Very few women in the population are taking FA before pregnancy. Moreover, while most women consuming FA started in the first trimester, it is likely that they did so after closure of the neural tube. An important action is the recommendation that periconceptional supplementation programmes be promoted.

Herbal therapies in pregnancy: what works?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is two-fold: to report the prevalence of herbal products used by pregnant women and to evaluate the evidence of efficacy and safety of the most popular remedies. RECENT FINDINGS: Of the 671 articles identified, 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 16 non-RCTs were eligible. Ginger was the most investigated remedy and it was consistently reported to ameliorate nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Although raspberry, blue cohosh, castor oil, and evening primrose oil are believed to facilitate labor in traditional medicine, very few scientific data support such indication. Moreover, they have been associated with severe adverse events. Data on the safety of Hypericum perforatum in pregnancy or lactation are reassuring, whereas efficacy was demonstrated only in nonpregnant individuals. There is still insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of Echinacea, garlic, and cranberry in pregnancy. SUMMARY: Epidemiological studies reported a wide range of use of herbal remedies in pregnancy. Too few studies have been devoted to the safety and efficacy of singular herbs. With the exception of ginger, there are no consistent data to support the use of any other herbal supplement during pregnancy. Severe adverse events have been reported using blue cohosh and evening primrose oil.

The Association of High-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid (HMWHA), Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Magnesium, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin D Improves Subchorionic Hematoma Resorption in Women with Threatened Miscarriage: A Pilot Clinical Study.

Background-We evaluated whether the oral intake of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA) in association with alpha lipoic acid (ALA), magnesium, vitamin B6, and vitamin D can improve the resorption of subchorionic hematoma in cases of threatened miscarriage. Methods-In this study, we enrolled 56 pregnant women with threatened miscarriage (i.e., subchorionic hematomas, pelvic pain/uterine contractions, and/or vaginal bleeding) between the 6th and the 13th week of gestation. They were treated with vaginal progesterone (200 mg/twice a day) (control group; n = 25) or vaginal progesterone plus oral 200 mg HMWHA, 100 mg ALA, 450 mg magnesium, 2.6 mg vitamin B6, and 50 mcg vitamin D (treatment group; n = 31; DAV®-HA, LoLi Pharma srl, Rome, Italy). An ultrasound scan was performed at the first visit (T0) and after 7 days (T1) and 14 days (T2) until hematoma resorption. Results-At the ultrasound scan, the treatment group showed faster resorption of the subchorionic hematoma compared with the control group, both at T1 (control group 140 (112-180), treated group 84 (40-112), p < 0.0031), and T2 (control group: 72 (48-112), treated group: 0 (0-0), p < 0.0001). Moreover, subjective symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and uterine contractions, showed a faster decrease in the treatment group than in the control group. Conclusions-The association may more rapidly improve the resolution of threatened miscarriage and related symptoms compared to the standard local protocol.

L-Arginine supplementation in pregnancy: a systematic review of maternal and fetal outcomes.

BACKGROUND/AIM OF THE STUDY: L-Arginine (L-Arg)/Nitric Oxide (NO) system is involved in the pathophysiology of relevant Obstetric conditions. This review aims at summarizing the effects of L-Arg supplementation in pregnancy looking at safety and efficacy. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed for studies published from inception to September 2022. The search included human and animal studies where L-Arg was supplemented pre-conceptionally or during pregnancy, by either oral or intravenous route. The main perinatal outcomes were focused. RESULTS: Among 1028 publications, 51 studies were eligible for inclusion, 25 were performed in women, and the remnant in animals. Compared to controls/placebo, the supplementation with L-Arg reduced the development of pre-eclampsia (four studies), decreased blood pressure, and reduced the need for antihypertensive drugs in women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP, eight studies). In women carrying growth retarded fetuses, L-Arg improved fetoplacental circulation, birth weight and neonatal outcomes (five studies), while in the case of threatened preterm birth, L-Arg reduced uterine contractions (two studies). In several animal species, L-Arg supplementation in pregnancy improved reproductive performance by increasing the litter number and size. Moreover, in pre-eclamptic and metabolic syndrome experimental models, maternal hypertension and fetal growth were improved. CONCLUSION: L-Arg displays biological activities in pregnancies complicated by HDP and growth restriction, both in women and animal models. L-Arg administration is safe and could be a candidate as an intervention beneficial to maternal and fetal outcomes, at least in moderate clinical disorders.

Women's perception of fetal movements and perinatal outcomes: results of a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Active fetal movements (AFMs) are a sign of the well-being of the baby during pregnancy and suggests the integrity of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems of the fetus. The abnormal perception of AFMs is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes such as stillbirth (SB) and brain damage. Several definitions of " decreased fetal movements" have been proposed, but none of them has been universally accepted. The aim of the study is to investigate the perinatal outcomes in relation to AFMs frequency and perception in term pregnancy with an ad hoc questionnaire administered to the women before delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective case-control study on pregnant women at term referring to the Obstetric Unit of the University Hospital of Modena, Italy, between January 2020 and March 2020. A validated questionnaire was administered to women who agreed to participate in the study. Therefore, women were subdivided into the case and control groups: cases included women who experienced adverse perinatal outcomes (APO) such as perinatal mortality (SB and early neonatal mortality), operative delivery (cesarean section or vacuum) due to fetal distress, Apgar 5' < 7, neonatal resuscitation at birth and NICU Admission, while controls were women who experienced delivery and birth without APO in the same period. RESULTS: Seventy-seven cases and 178 controls that compiled the questionnaire were included in the analysis. Characteristics significantly associated with APO were low education (OR 1.57, CI 95% 1.11-2.22), nulliparity (OR 1.76, CI 95% 1.20-2.58), obesity (OR 1.55, CI 95% 1.10-2.17), neonatal male gender (OR 1.92 CI95% 1.33-2.78) and centile at birth (< 10° and >90°) (OR 2.77, 95%CI 2.17, 3.55). There was no association between any answer about strengths, frequency and vigor of perceived fetal movements and APO. Even any maternal perception of fetal hiccups or uterine contractions wasn't associated with APO. On the other hand, women who referred to frequent change positions during sleep (OR 1.55 CI95% 1.05-2.30) and women who snore (OR 1.43 CI95% 1.01-2.05) showed a statistically significant increase of APO. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the significant association between modifiable risk factors (such as obesity and low education) and APO. Thus, healthcare providers should be aware of the importance of intervention in reducing obesity, therefore snoring and related sleep apnea syndrome. Finally, changing position during sleep while not the perception of modified/reduced fetal movements significantly could induce the worst obstetric outcomes.

Association of maternal Body Mass Index and parity on induced labor stages.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a widespread pandemic and obstetric care must adapt to meet the needs of obese pregnant women. Little is known about the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on the induction of labor (IOL). Therefore, our objective was to evaluate if the duration of the first and second stages of IOL is affected by maternal BMI in nulliparous and multiparous women. METHODS: We included singleton pregnancies at term with cephalic presentation whose labor was induced from June 2018 to December 2019. Women were divided into two groups according to pre-pregnancy BMI in normal weight and obese women. RESULTS: A total of 668 women with IOL were included in the study, among them, 349 had a normal weight and 321 were obese. The first stage of labor was longer in obese multiparous than normal-weight women (normal weight 81.98±71.7 vs. obese 134.3±158.1 min, P=0.000), while the second stage resulted significantly shorter (normal weight 22.2±27.8 vs. obese 14.3±14.2 min, P=0.000). The total time elapsed from IOL beginning and delivery was significantly higher in obese nulliparous (normal weight 10.4±19.7 vs. obese 22.0±26.2 h, P=0.000). Operative vaginal deliveries, emergency cesarean section, and failed IOL resulted to be similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Obese multiparous women have longer first stages of labor while shorter second stages. The total time for induced obese nulliparous to reach delivery is higher than the normal weight. It might be reasonable to reconsider the partographs according to maternal BMI in case of induced labor for future obstetric practice.

A prospective cohort study evaluating exclusive breastfeeding in late preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding can be challenging in neonates born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation (late preterm). METHODS: This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, at three and six months of life in late preterm infants, and to identify facilitators and challenges to it. We included late preterm neonates eligible for the rooming-in. Data about breastfeeding at discharge, at three and six months of life were collected. RESULTS: Two hundred and fourteen late preterm infants were included in the study. At discharge 70 infants (32.7%) were fed with human milk and 144 (67.2%) were not. Non-exclusive breastfeeding was more common in women who were primiparous, had hypertension, and who underwent cesarean sections. Non-exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a low birthweight (<2500 g), ≥2 blood glucose controls, weight loss >10%, and longer hospital stay. Early first latch-on and skin-to-skin contact were more frequently associated with exclusive human milk feeding (P<0.001). Late preterm neonates born at 35 weeks showed a significant increase in exclusive human milk feeding at 3 months compared to the rate at discharge (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, early first latch-on and immediate skin-to-skin contact resulted associated with exclusive human milk feeding. Despite formula-fed during hospitalization, infants born at ≥35 weeks gestation who were exclusively breastfed at follow-up increased.

Effect of Oral High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (HMWHA), Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Observational Pilot Study.

Background-Pregnancy represents a nutritional challenge, since macro- and micronutrients intake can affect mother' health and influence negative outcomes. The aim of this retrospective pilot study is to evidence whether the oral supplementation with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA), in association with alpha lipoic acid (ALA), magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin D, in pregnant women, could reduce adverse effects, such as PTB, pelvic pain, contraction and hospitalization. Methods-Data were collected from n = 200 women treated daily with oral supplements of 200 mg HMWHA, 100 mg ALA, 450 mg magnesium, 2.6 mg vitamin B6 and 50 mcg vitamin D (treatment group) and from n = 50 women taking with oral supplements of 400 mg magnesium (control group). In both groups, supplementation started from the 7th gestational week until delivery. Results-Oral treatment with HMWHA, in association with ALA, magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin D in pregnant women, significantly reduced adverse events, such as PTB (p < 0.01), pelvic pain and contractions (p < 0.0001), miscarriages (p < 0.05) and admission to ER/hospitalization (p < 0.0001) compared with the control group. Conclusions-Despite HMWHA having been poorly used as a food supplement in pregnant women, our results open a reassuring scenario regarding its oral administration during pregnancy.

Implementation of guidelines about women with previous cesarean section through educational/motivational interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a quality improvement project with an educational/motivational intervention in northern Italy on the implementation of the trial of labor after cesarean section (CS). METHOD: A pre-post study design was used. Every birth center (n = 23) of the Emilia-Romagna region was included. Gynecologist opinion leaders were first trained about Italian CS recommendations. Barriers to implementation were discussed and shared. Educational/motivational interventions were implemented. Data of multipara with previous CS, with a single, cephalic pregnancy at term, were collected during two periods, before (2012-2014) and after (2017-2019) the intervention (2015-2016). The primary outcome was the rate of vaginal birth after CS (VBAC) and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 20 496 women were included. The VBAC rate increased from 18.1% to 23.1% after intervention (P < 0.001). The likelihood of VBAC-adjusted for age 40 years or older, Caucasian, body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) at least 30, previous vaginal delivery, and labor induction-was increased by the intervention by 42% (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.31-1.54). Neonatal well-being was improved by intervention; neonates requiring resuscitation decreased from 2.1% to 1.6% (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Educating and motivating gynecologists toward the trial of labor after CS is worth pursuing. Health quality improvement is demonstrated by increased VBAC even improving neonatal well-being.

Fetal head malposition and epidural analgesia in labor: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The fetal head malposition in labor leads to prolonged labor, cesarean delivery and increased perinatal morbidity. Epidural analgesia has been associated with fetal head malposition, but it remains unknown if this relation is causal. OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of fetal malposition during labor and maternal/fetal outcomes, between women who received epidural analgesia with those who did not use the analgesic method. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study including 500 women with a single fetus in vertex position who gave birth at term at the Policlinic Hospital of Modena between May 2019 and July 2019. Two-hundred and fifty women belonged to the epidural analgesia (EA) group and 250 to the control group. RESULTS: The rate of posterior occiput positions occurred 4 times more frequently in the EA group than in the control group (8.8% vs 2.2%, p = .004). Cesarean sections were significantly higher in the EA group (11.6% vs 1.6%, p < .0000) as well as the need for augmentation with oxytocin (20% vs 8%, p = .0001) compared to the control group, in which spontaneous delivery prevailed instead. Women with epidural had labors that lasted on average 7.0 h against the 3.30 h of controls (p < .0000). The length of 2nd stage of labor was 55 vs 30 min (p = .009), respectively. No differences in blood loss and Apgar score between groups. Early breastfeeding was significantly higher among controls (82% vs 92.8%, p = .0004). CONCLUSIONS: Women receiving epidural analgesia in labor have higher rate of fetal malposition, prolonged labors, and more cesarean sections than controls. However, further studies are required to confirm a causal association between EA and fetal head malposition.

First-trimester prediction model for placental vascular disorders: An observational prospective study.

This study aims to develop a multivariable predictive model for the risk of placental vascular complications (PVC), by using biochemical, biophysical, anamnestic and clinical maternal features available at the first trimester. PVC include gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, placenta abruption, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and stillbirth. Prospective study that included all singleton pregnancies attending the first-trimester aneuploidy screening (11 +0-12 +6 weeks) at Obstetrics Unit of the University Hospital of Modena, in Northern Italy, between June 2018 and December 2019. In a total of 503 women included in the analysis, 40 patients were in the PVC group. The final prediction model for PVC included the following independent variables: pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 30 (OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.04; 6.75, p = 0.0415), increasing values of mean arterial pressure (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02; 1.10, p = 0.0008), PAPP-A < 2.40465 U/L (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.19; 0.96, p = 0.0388) and decreasing values of PlGf (MoM) (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.10; 0.79, p = 0.0153). The area under the ROC curve was 79.4% indicating a satisfactory predictive accuracy. The best predictive cut-off for this score was equal to -2.562, which corresponds to a 7.2 % probability of having PVC. By using such a cut-off, the risk of PVC can be predicted in our sample with sensitivity equal to 82,4 % and specificity equal to 69,9 %. This model for early prediction of PVC is a promising tool to early identify women at greater risk for placenta vascular complications.