辅助生育技术受孕双胎与自然受孕双胎妊娠结局的分析

目的　探讨辅助生育技术受孕 (助孕 )双胎与自然受孕双胎围产期的结局。方法　选择 10 4例助孕双胎孕妇 (助孕组 )和 173例自然受孕双胎孕妇 (自然受孕组 ) ,比较两组孕妇一般情况、妊娠合并症、分娩情况和新生儿预后等方面的差异。结果　 (1)助孕组孕妇平均年龄 (31 2± 3 7)岁 ,自然受孕组孕妇为 (2 7 8± 3 5 )岁 ,两组比较 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 )。 (2 )助孕组孕妇早产 70例(6 7 3% ) ,自然受孕组孕妇早产 78例 (45 1% ) ,两组比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 1)。助孕组孕妇患妊娠期糖尿病或糖耐量异常 16例 (15 4 % ) ,自然受孕组孕妇仅 4例 (2 3% ) ,两组比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 1)。(3)助孕组孕妇剖宫产率为 76 0 % (79/10 4 ) ,明显高于自然受孕组的 6 5 3% (113/173)。(4)两组围产儿死亡率、畸形发生率和新生儿窒息率等比较 ,差异无显著性 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　助孕双胎孕妇年龄较大 ,早产率及妊娠期糖尿病或糖耐量异常发生率高 ;分娩方式以剖宫产为主。助孕双胎孕妇的围产儿结局与自然受孕双胎相似     

Pregnancy in Adolescence: Is It an Obstetrical Risk?

Study ObjectiveAdolescent pregnancy is an important public health problem worldwide. It is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. We aimed to investigate whether adolescent pregnancies have an increased risk for perinatal complications. We focused primarily on the relationship between adolescent pregnancy and preterm delivery.Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome MeasuresWe used records of 38,646 women who gave birth at our hospital, between January 2008 and December 2009. Five hundred eighty-two randomly selected pregnant adolescents and 2,920 healthy parity and body mass index matched pregnant women 20-34 years of age were included the study. Perinatal outcomes were compared between the groups.ResultsThe mean gestational ages of the adolescent and control groups at the first prenatal visit were 11.2 (range, 8-31) and 8.5 (range, 7-28) weeks, respectively (P < .001). The risks of preterm delivery (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.80-3.37; P < .001) and preeclampsia (odds ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.51; P = .002) were significantly greater among the adolescent mothers. In both groups, the most frequent reason was spontaneous preterm delivery.ConclusionAs shown in this study, pregnant adolescents present to hospitals for prenatal care at a much more advanced gestational age compared with adults. At the time they present to the hospital, and particularly in the first trimester, they must be advised to undergo an ultrasound scan to determine the gestational age. As such, it would be reasonable to increase the frequency of examinations after the second trimester, because of the increased risk of preterm labor and preterm birth.     

Sexual Intercourse for Induction of Spontaneous Onset of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

IntroductionSexual intercourse during pregnancy is commonly believed to trigger the onset of contractions and, therefore, labor. However, in low-risk pregnancies, there is neither association with preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, or low birth weight, nor with spontaneous onset of labor at term.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of sexual intercourse for spontaneous onset of labor at term in singleton pregnancies.MethodsThe systematic search was conducted using electronic databases from inception of each database to June 2019. Review of articles also included the abstracts of all references retrieved from the search. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials comparing sexual intercourse in singleton low-risk pregnancies at term with controls (either reduced number of coitus or no coitus) for spontaneous onset of labor. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was the incidence of spontaneous onset of labor. The summary measures were reported as summary relative risk with 95% CI using the random-effects model of DerSimonian and Laird.ResultsData extracted from 3 trials, including 1,483 women with singleton pregnancy at term and cephalic presentation, were analyzed. Women who were randomized in the sexual intercourse group had similar incidence of spontaneous onset of labor compared with control subjects (0.82% vs 0.80%; relative risk 1.02, 95% CI 0.98–1.07).Clinical ImplicationSexual intercourse should not be restricted in low-risk term pregnancies. Further studies are needed to properly evaluate the impact of orgasm, penetration, condom use, frequency of intercourse and other factors on induction of labor at term.Strength & limitationsOur study has several strengths. The three included trials had low risk of allocation bias; intention-to-treat analysis was used; this is the first meta-analysis on this issue so far. Limitations mainly depend on the design of the included studies. Firstly, compliance to the protocol relied on self-reporting by patients; in addition, not all the features of sexual intercourse could be adequately assessed (orgasm, nipple stimulation, sexual positions, etc.).ConclusionIn women with singleton, cephalic, low-risk pregnancies, sexual intercourse at term does not significantly increase the incidence of spontaneous onset of labor.Carbone L, De Vivo V, Saccone G, et al. Sexual Intercourse for Induction of Spontaneous Onset of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Sex Med 2019;16:1787–1795.     

Preterm delivery in triplet pregnancies

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the rate of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) versus indicated preterm birth (IPTB) in triplet pregnancies and determine factors associated with these outcomes.

Materials and methods: This is a review of triplet pregnancies delivering at our institution from 2003 to 2015. Patients delivering prior to 24 weeks gestational age (GA) were excluded. SPTB included cases of preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes <37 weeks. IPTB was defined as deliveries <37 weeks for maternal or fetal complications.

Results: Of 80 triplet pregnancies, 18 (22.5%) were not complicated by SPTB or IPTB and reached their scheduled delivery date. In the remaining 62 pregnancies, IPTB occurred in 31 patients and SPTB in 31 patients. Parity was the only significant factor associated with reaching a scheduled delivery, with 56.3% of parous women reaching a scheduled delivery versus 14.1% of nulliparous women (p?=?0.001). There were no significant differences in maternal age, parity, chorionicity, or use of ART between the SPTB and ITPB groups.

Conclusions: While the majority of our triplet patients delivered preterm, IPTB occurred as frequently as SPTB in our population. Parous women were significantly less likely to experience SPTB or to require preterm delivery for maternal or fetal indications.     

Pregnancy and delivery outcomes in the women who have received adenomyomectomy: Performed by a single surgeon by a uniform surgical technique

ObjectiveAlthough adenomyomectomy for fertility-sparing is an expanding procedure worldwide, there is no guideline or consensus about how to manage the pregnant women who have previously received conservative surgery for adenomyosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate antenatal care and delivery outcomes in pregnant women after adenomyomectomy.Materials and methodsBetween May 2011 and May 2019, the medical record was reviewed in all delivery of pregnant women received adenomyomectomy performed by a single surgeon by a uniform surgical technique. The evaluating parameters consisted of antenatal care outcomes, delivery outcomes, intrapartum outcome, and neonatal outcomes.ResultsTwenty-two patients were evaluated to monitor pregnancy and delivery outcomes after the adenomyomectomy. Mean age of delivery was 37.0 years old (SD = 3.1, range 32–45, median 37). All were delivered by cesarean section. Mean gestational age was 36.2 weeks (SD = 3.6, range 27.4–39.4, median 37.3). The mean birth weight was 2560.9 g (SD = 771.8, range 1100–3920, median 2550) and the number of preterm births admitted for prematurity care was seven (31.8%, 7/22). Placental abnormality was found in the four cases, which included two placenta accreta and two previa. However, there were no cases of hysterectomy or intervention. We identified one case of uterine rupture during pregnancy (4.5%, 1/22) at 27 weeks of gestation. Except for preterm birth, adverse neonatal outcomes were not found in this study.ConclusionDelivery of pregnant women who received adenomyomectomy can obtain safe perinatal outcomes under close monitoring of preterm labor and surveillance of catastrophic pregnancy related complications.     

The Combined Effect of Maternal Obesity and Fetal Macrosomia on Pregnancy Outcomes

ObjectiveTo examine the combined effect of macrosomia and maternal obesity on adverse pregnancy outcomes using a retrospective cohort.MethodsInfants with a birth weight of ≥ 4000g (macrosomia) were identified from an institutional birth cohort. Demographic characteristics and maternal, fetal, neonatal, and pregnancy outcomes of macrosomic infants whose mothers were obese were compared with those whose mothers were non-obese.ResultsPregnancies in obese women resulting in macrosomic infants are more likely to be complicated by gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and smoking than pregnancies in non-obese women with macrosomic infants. Mothers whose infants are macrosomic are significantly more likely to require induction of labour (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.98) and delivery by Caesarean section (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.01), particularly for maternal indications (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.47 to 9.34), if they are obese. Finally, macrosomic infants of obese mothers are significantly more likely to require neonatal resuscitation in the form of free flow oxygen (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.42) than macrosomic infants of non-obese mothers.ConclusionWhen both maternal obesity and macrosomia are present, adverse pregnancy outcomes are more common than when fetal macrosomia occurs in a woman of normal weight.     

Cervical pessaries for the prevention of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cervical pessaries for the prevention of preterm birth.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and other sources from inception to July 2016. This analysis referred to pregnant women with singleton/multiple viable fetus/fetuses, with or without cervical pessary placement.

Results: Six randomized control trials and five cohort studies involving 3911 participants were included. Overall, cervical pessary placement was slightly associated with the decrease of spontaneous delivery less than 34 weeks (relative risk 0.65 [95% CI: 0.44–0.96]) and increased gestational age at delivery (weighted mean difference 1.03 weeks [95% CI: 0.37–1.70]) in multiple pregnancies, but not with poor perinatal outcomes. Pessary placement in singleton pregnancies did not show any difference. A planned subgroup analysis showed multiple pregnancies with shorter cervical length (≤25?mm) had a longer prolongation of pregnancy (weighted mean difference 2.08 weeks [95% CI: 1.35–2.82]).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested pessary placement could slightly reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 weeks, and increase gestational age at delivery in multiple pregnancies, but not in singleton pregnancies. More studies of high quality with detailed records are urgent to confirm the efficacy of this procedure.     

Impact of Planned Delivery on the Perinatal Outcome of Term Fetuses with Isolated Heart Defects

ObjectivePregnancies complicated by fetal heart defects often undergo a planned delivery prior to term by either induction of labour or cesarean delivery to ensure optimal availability of neonatal care. We aimed to assess whether such planned deliveries achieve their goal of better perinatal care.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective case-control study of pregnancies complicated by isolated fetal cardiac defects, without other fetal comorbidities, managed at a single fetal medicine unit over a 10-year period. Only pregnancies delivered past 37 weeks gestation were included. Patients undergoing elective delivery for care planning reasons only were compared with patients in whom planned delivery was clinically indicated and patients who laboured spontaneously. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were recorded.ResultsOf the 180 pregnancies included in the study, 59 (32.8%) were in the elective group, 49 (27.2%), in the indicated group, and 72 (40%), in the spontaneous group. Mean gestational age at delivery was 39.0 ± 1.1 weeks overall and did not differ between the groups. For the elective group, only 35.6% of deliveries occurred during office hours, which was similar to the 2 other groups. The rate of adverse obstetric or postnatal outcomes was not statistically significantly different between groups.ConclusionTimed delivery at term does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of poor perinatal outcomes. It may improve perinatal care by providing proximity to a neonatal intensive care unit and convenience for patients and providers.     

Perinatal outcomes in uncomplicated late preterm pregnancies with borderline oligohydramnios

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the adverse perinatal outcomes in uncomplicated late preterm pregnancies with borderline oligohydramnios.

Methods: A total of 430 pregnant women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy at a gestational age of 34?+?0–36?+?6 weeks were included. Borderline oligohydramnios was defined as an amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 5.1–8?cm, which was measured using the four-quadrant technique. Adverse perinatal outcomes were compared between the borderline and normal AFI groups.

Results: Approximately 107 of the 430 pregnant women were borderline AFI, and 323 were normal AFI. The demographic and obstetric characteristics were similar in both groups. Delivery <37 weeks, cesarean delivery for non-reassuring fetal heart-rate testing, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, Apgar 5?min <7, transient tachypnea of the newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal intensive care unit, and hyperbilirubinemia were not statistically different between the groups (p?=?.054, p?=?.134, p?=?.749, p?=?0.858, p?=?.703, p?=?.320, p?=?.185, and p?=?.996, respectively). Although gestational age was full-term, induction of labor rates were significantly higher in the borderline AFI group (p?=?.040). In addition, fetal renal artery pulsatility index pulsatility index (PI) was significantly lower in the borderline AFI group than in the normal AFI group (p?=?.014).

Conclusion: Our results indicated that borderline AFI was not a risk for adverse perinatal outcomes in uncomplicated, late preterm pregnancies.     

辅助生殖技术单胎妊娠结局分析

目的:研究辅助生殖技术(ART)与自然受孕两种不同受孕方式单胎妊娠的妊娠结局。方法:回顾分析2009年1月1日至2017年12月31日在广州医科大学附属第三医院住院分娩的妊娠≥20周的单胎妊娠病例资料。按受孕方法分为ART组及自然妊娠组,分析两组母儿结局,再按是否为高龄妊娠,比较ART组及自然妊娠组的母儿结局。结果:ART组孕妇的平均年龄、初产妇、定期产检、非足月胎膜早破(PPROM)、羊水量异常、子痫前期、妊娠期高血压、妊娠合并血小板减少症、妊娠期糖尿病、糖尿病合并妊娠、前置胎盘、胎盘植入/粘连、产后出血、剖宫产分娩、产钳/吸引产助产、人工剥离胎盘、药物/机械性引产、流产、胎儿窘迫及胎儿为男性发生率均高于自然妊娠组,ART组的住院天数更长,分娩孕周更低,转诊重症监护病房(ICU)、急性器官衰竭发生风险较低,ART组围产儿平均体重高于自然受孕组。高龄妊娠孕妇中,ART组的妊娠期糖尿病、剖宫产分娩发生风险增加。非高龄妊娠孕妇中,ART组子痫前期、妊娠期高血压、妊娠期糖尿病、糖尿病合并妊娠、流产、PROM、羊水量异常、前置胎盘、胎盘植入/粘连、产后出血、胎儿窘迫、人工剥离胎盘、药物/机械性引产发生风险增加。ART组较自然妊娠组钳产/吸引产风险均增加,产妇转诊ICU及非规律产检发生风险均降低,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论:ART受孕单胎妊娠并发症及新生儿不良结局发生率高于自然妊娠组孕妇,但其更注重孕期产检;在非高龄妊娠孕妇中,ART组母儿不良结局风险增加,而高龄妊娠孕妇中,ART组母儿不良结局风险增加不明显。     

Isolated oligohydramnios in term pregnancy as an indication for induction of labor

Objective. To evaluate the outcome of active induction of labor for isolated oligohydramnios in low-risk term gestation.

Methods. This retrospective study analyzed the obstetric and perinatal outcome of 412 singleton term pregnancies with cephalic presentation and no maternal risk factors or fetal abnormalities. Two groups were compared: 206 deliveries after induced labor for isolated oligohydramnios, and 206 deliveries matched for gestational age following spontaneous labor with normal amniotic fluid index.

Results. The overall rate of cesarean deliveries and cesarean deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status, and operative vaginal delivery rates and those for nonreassuring fetal status were higher in the oligohydramnios group than in the control group. There were no differences between groups in neonatal outcome or perinatal morbidity or mortality.

Conclusion. Active induction of labor in term low risk gestations with isolated oligohydramnios translated into higher labor induction, operative vaginal delivery and cesarean section rates. This led to increased maternal risk and an increase in costs with no differences in neonatal outcome.     

Maternal morbidity and perinatal outcomes among pregnant women with respiratory hospitalizations during influenza season

OBJECTIVES: A population-based assessment of maternal and perinatal morbidity related to respiratory illness during influenza season among pregnant women has not been published. The objectives of this investigation were to describe and quantify the impact of respiratory hospitalization during pregnancy on serious maternal and perinatal morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: A matched cohort study using an administrative database of pregnant women enrolled in the Tennessee Medicaid population to determine pregnancy outcomes associated with respiratory hospitalizations during influenza season. Pregnant women aged 15 to 44 years with a respiratory hospitalization during influenza seasons 1985-1993 were matched by gestational age and presence of comorbidity with pregnant control subjects without a respiratory hospitalization. RESULTS: During the eight influenza seasons studied, 293 women with singleton pregnancies had respiratory disease hospitalizations (5.1:1000). Women with asthma had high rates of such hospitalization (59.7:1000). Compared with matched controls, women with respiratory hospitalizations had similar modes of delivery, delivery length of stay, and episodes of preterm labor. The prevalence of prematurity and low birth weight among infants born to such women was likewise similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In this population of pregnant women, those with asthma accounted for half of all respiratory-related hospitalizations during influenza seasons, with 6% of pregnant women with asthma requiring respiratory hospitalization during influenza season, (odds ratio 10.63, 95% CI, 8.18-13.83, compared with women without a medical comorbidity). We detected no significant increase in adverse perinatal outcomes associated with respiratory hospitalizations during influenza season.     

Predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy with dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) with dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies.

Methods: This study was a retrospective study of women diagnosed with ICP and DCDA twin pregnancies in Chengdu’s women and children’s central hospital. These patients were subdivided into mild and severe ICP groups according to total bile acid (TBA) level. The clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes were collected and compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was developed to evaluate predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Results: About 134 cases were included in the study. Eighty-four cases were in the mild ICP group, and the other 50 cases were in the severe ICP group. Level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL) in the severe ICP group were significant higher than those in the mild ICP group. The rate of delivery before 34 gestational weeks, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and composite adverse neonatal outcome were higher in the severe ICP group than those in the mild ICP group. After adjusting for confounders, ICP onset gestational age (GA)?<30 weeks and AST >200U/l were associated with GA at delivery <34 weeks. ALP >400U/l was an independent risk factor of meconium-stained amniotic fluid. ICP onset GA <30 weeks was an independent risk factor of composite adverse neonatal outcome.

Conclusion: ICP onset GA <30 weeks, TBA >40 µmol/l, AST >200U/l, and ALP >400U/l were associated with composite adverse perinatal outcomes in ICP with DCDA twin pregnancies. For those patients with these characteristics, fetal surveillance and treatment should be enhanced.     

Maternal,Fetal, and Neonatal Outcomes of Elective Fetal Reduction Among Multiple Gestation Pregnancies: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveTo review the existing literature on fetal and maternal health outcomes following elective pregnancy reduction.Data SourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.Study SelectionStudies involving women pregnant with dichorionic twins, trichorionic triplets, or quadra-chorionic quadruplets who underwent elective fetal reduction of 1 or more fetuses to reduce the risks associated with multiple gestation pregnancies.Data ExtractionThe main fetal health outcomes measured were gestational age at delivery, preterm birth, miscarriage, birth weight, and small for gestational age at delivery. The main maternal health outcomes measured were gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and cesarean delivery.Data SynthesisOf 7678 studies identified, 24 were included (n = 425 dichorionic twin pregnancies, n = 2753 trichorionic triplet pregnancies, and n = 111 quadra-chorionic quadruplet pregnancies). Fifteen studies (62.5%) did not report maternal health outcomes, while every study reported at least 1 fetal health outcome. Fetal reduction was associated with higher gestational age at birth, lower preterm birth, higher birth weight, and lower rates of small for gestational age infants and intrauterine growth restriction. No consistent pattern was observed for miscarriage and neonatal mortality rates. Following fetal reduction, cesarean delivery rates were lower in most studies. There were no appreciable trends with respect to gestational diabetes or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.ConclusionFetal reduction reliably optimizes gestational age at birth and neonatal birth weight. Miscarriage rates and other adverse procedural outcomes did not increase following transabdominal reduction. Further research on maternal outcomes is needed given a paucity of information in the literature.     

慢性高血压并发子痫前期的母儿结局分析

目的了解慢性高血压并发子痫前期与非慢性高血压并发子痫前期患者的临床特征和母儿结局。 方法回顾分析2009年1月1日至2017年12月31日在广州医科大学附属第三医院住院分娩的妊娠≥20周的单胎妊娠诊断为子痫前期的病例资料。按是否为慢性高血压分为慢性高血压并发子痫前期组及非慢性高血压并发子痫前期组，分析两组的临床特征与母儿结局。 结果2361例子痫前期孕妇中，慢性高血压组共75例(27.08%)，非慢性高血压组2286例(72.92%)。慢性高血压并发子痫前期较非慢性高血压的子痫前期组孕妇，其年龄更大，高龄及经产妇更多，疤痕子宫、入院类型为门诊、产前检查(简称"产检")情况为不规律或无产检、转诊重症监护病房、早产、流产、死胎发生率更高，分娩孕周更小，新生儿体重更低，差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。 结论慢性高血压并发子痫前期孕妇相比非慢性高血压的子痫前期孕妇年龄更大，母儿不良结局风险增加。因此应当重视慢性高血压孕妇，加强高危妊娠管理，早期规范诊治，以期降低母儿不良结局。     

Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes in the Province of Ontario: A Cohort Study

ObjectiveFew Canadian studies have examined the association between adolescent pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes The objective of this cohort study was to characterize the association between adolescent pregnancy and specific adverse maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes, as well as maternal health behaviours.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study of all singleton births in Ontario between January 2006 and December 2010, using the Better Outcomes Registry & Network database Outcomes for pregnant women < 20 years of age (adolescent) were compared with those of women 20 to 35 years old (adult).ResultsThis study included 551 079 singleton birth records, 23 992 (4.35%) of which derived from adolescent pregnancies. Adolescents had a higher rate of smoking and substance use than adult women and were within the lowest education and family income quintiles. Adolescents had a significantly lower risk of gestational hypertension (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.73) and gestational diabetes (aRR 0.34), placental abruption (aRR 0.80), and placenta previa (aRR 0.36), but their risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes was significantly higher (RR 1.16). Adolescents had a significantly higher proportion of spontaneous vaginal delivery (aRR 1.76), significantly lower rates of use of epidural analgesia (aRR 0.93), of Caesarean section (aRR 0.57), and of assisted vaginal delivery (aRR 0.76), but a significantly higher risk of emergency CS (aRR 1.31). Neonates with an adolescent mother had significantly higher risks of admission to NICU (aRR 1.08) and very preterm birth (aRR 1.16). There was no significant difference between the two groups in rates of small for gestational age babies, low birth weight, preterm birth, and fetal death. Adolescents had significantly lower rates of prenatal class attendance, prenatal visits in the first trimester, and breastfeeding.ConclusionThis large Canadian cohort study confirms that, compared with adults, adolescents have improved outcomes such as lower rates of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, antepartum hemorrhage, and operative deliveries However, adolescents also have higher sociodemographic risk factors and seek prenatal care later than adults These risk factors in combination with young age, lead to other important maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal adverse outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of multidisciplinary prenatal management in the adolescent population to address their high-risk needs, to ensure healthy pregnancies, and to reduce adverse perinatal outcomes.     

Diabetes mellitus and the risk of preterm birth with regard to the risk of spontaneous preterm birth

Introduction.?It is internationally agreed that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and long-term complications. To avoid these complications, it is often necessary to induce birth before term. The impact of DM on spontaneous preterm birth (spontaneous labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes and/or cervical incompetence resulting in delivery before the completion of 37 gestation weeks) is still unexplained. Preterm birth accounts for the most neonatal deaths and infant morbidities, and therefore it still remains one of the biggest challenges in obstetrics.

Objective.?Our study determined if there is an increasing tendency towards spontaneous preterm birth in mothers with gestational and preexisting DM.

Methods.?In this retrospective cohort study, 187 pregnant women with gestational DM and preexisting DM were compared to a randomized control group consisting of 192 normoglycemic women concerning gestational age and perinatal outcome. Data were collected by the Medical University of Vienna. Multiple pregnancies and women with severe maternal diseases, such as preeclampsia, were excluded.

Results.?Women with DM tended significantly more often to preterm births (P?=?0.002). A significant difference in the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth was found (P?=?0.047).

Conclusion.?DM affects the length of gestation and incidence of spontaneous preterm birth.     

Utilidad de la alfafetoproteína sérica materna como parámetro de riesgo del embarazo

ObjectiveTo show that pregnant women with an unexplained maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) elevation are at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomesPatients and methods43.424 pregnant women were studied prospectively from the early second trimester until delivery. A risk factor for preterm delivery, fetal death, before and after 28 weeks of gestation, and low birth weight infants was calculated from the clinical history and MSAFP concentrationsResultsIn all the groups increasing levels of MSAFP are significatively associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, showing a significative difference with regard to the control group of pregnancies (MSAFP < 2,5 multiples of the median [MDM]). The highest relative risk was observed from pregnancies with fetal death before 28 weeks of gestationConclusionsPregnant women with unexplained elevations of MSAFP are at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. However, the MSAFP, because of its low sensitivity, can not be considered as a screening tool to select this kind of pregnancies     

Outcome of pregnancy in renal allograft recipients

Objective  To evaluate risk factors affecting pregnancy, perinatal outcomes and graft condition in women who underwent renal transplantation. Methods  Retrospective study of 34 pregnancies in 28 renal recipients followed in a single tertiary center from January 1989 to January 2007. Main outcome measures  Pregnancy outcome, kidney allograft function, maternal complications and perinatal outcomes were evaluated in these patients. Results  Mean maternal age at time of pregnancy was 27 ± 5.1 years (18–37) and the interval between transplant and pregnancy varied between 1 and 134 months (mean 51.3 ± 34.2). Most pregnant women (25/28) were submitted to triple immunosuppression during the entire pregnancy. The fetal outcome included 27 live births (79.4%), 2 stillbirths (5.9%), 3 spontaneous abortions (8.8%) and 2 therapeutic abortions (5.9%). The most frequent maternal complications were hypertension in 18 pregnancies, 2 of which ended in pre-eclampsia; urinary tract infections in 10 pregnancies; gestational diabetes mellitus in 3, anemia in 3 and 2 acute graft rejections. The major fetal complications observed consisted of four (13. 8%) intrauterine growth restrictions and two (6.9%) stillbirths. Vaginal delivery occurred in 10 women (34.5%); in the other 19 (65.5%), a cesarean section was performed. Of the 27 successful pregnancies, 11 (40.7%) resulted in term deliveries and 16 (59.3%) in preterm deliveries (range 31–39 weeks). The mean birth weight of the offspring was 2,465 g (range 1,300–3,530). There were no major perinatal complications, but two allograft rejections occurred after pregnancy. Conclusions  This series results are in agreement with those in other studies. Even though pregnancy does not seem to adversely affect short-term renal allograft function, risks of obstetric and perinatal complications seem to be increased. Further studies of long term graft function and pediatric follow-up are needed.