Predictors of maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Disease activity 6 months before pregnancy of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes is not well studied. The aim of the study was to identify predictors of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant SLE patients, based on patients' background characteristics, clinical and laboratory data 6 months before pregnancy. Of 103 pregnancies, 55 pregnancies in 39 SLE patients were investigated. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded at regular intervals from 6 months before conception to 1 year after delivery. Primary outcomes included the predictors of combined adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Potential explanatory variables included demographic, clinical and laboratory data 6 months before conception. Using logistic regression, history of nephritis (p?=?0.001, odds ratio [OR] 13.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-65.1) and a high SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score 6 months before pregnancy (p?=?0.015, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7) were associated with combined adverse maternal outcome, whereas flare during pregnancy (p?=?0.003, OR 29.3, 95% CI 3.1-273.1) predicted combined adverse fetal outcome. The area under the curve for SLEDAI score of combined maternal outcome was 0.73 (95% CI 0.58-0.87). The optimal cut-off point according to the receiver operating characteristic curve was 4, with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 75%. In conclusion, a history of nephritis or a SLEDAI score of 4 or more in SLE patients 6 months before conception predicts adverse maternal outcomes, while disease flare during pregnancy predicts adverse fetal outcomes. Pregnancies should be delayed until the disease has been in remission for 6 months.     

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of CD244 gene predispose to renal and neuropsychiatric manifestations with systemic lupus erythematosus

The objective of this study was to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CD244 gene with several clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Two hundred and forty-three patients with SLE and 369 healthy controls were enrolled. Two SNPs (rs6682654 and rs3766379) in the CD244 gene were determined by allelic discrimination using a specific TaqMan probe. Only SNP rs3766379 was significantly associated with susceptibility to SLE [P = 0.009; odds ratio (OR) 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.57]. The association was preferentially observed in subsets of SLE patients with nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus. The frequency of the rs6682654 C allele was strongly associated with nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus (P = 0.00065; OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.34–2.95, and P = 1.6 × 10^?7; OR 3.47; 95% CI 2.12–5.70, respectively), as was the frequency of the rs3766379 T allele (P = 0.0014; OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27–2.71, and P = 2.6 × 10^?7; OR 3.15; 95% CI 2.00–4.96, respectively). In this study, an SNP of the CD244 gene was associated with susceptibility to SLE. There was a strikingly strong association in SLE patients with nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus, suggesting that this genetic marker could predict involvement of those severe complications.     

Association between primary Sjögren’s syndrome and pregnancy complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Systemic autoimmune disorders may interfere with normal reproductive function resulting in negative outcome of pregnancy. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a common rheumatic disease that mostly affects females. There are many reports that this condition may increase risk of pregnancy complications and fetal loss. However, data regarding these adverse outcomes are scarce and inconclusive. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of available articles that assess the association between pSS and adverse pregnancy outcome. We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from their dates of inception to March 2016 and reviewed papers with validity criteria. A random-effects model was used to evaluate pregnancy complications in patients with pSS and healthy controls. From 20 full-text articles, 7 studies involving 544 patients and 1586 pregnancies were included in the meta-analysis. Fetal complications included spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal deaths, and intrauterine growth retardation. Compared with healthy pregnancy, patients with pSS had significantly higher chance of neonatal deaths (pooled odds ratio (OR)?=?1.77, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.28 to 1.46, p?=?0.01). However, there were no significant associations between pSS and premature birth (OR?=?2.10, 95 % CI 0.59–7.46, p?=?0.25), spontaneous abortion (OR?=?1.46, 95 % CI 0.72–2.93, p?=?0.29), artificial abortion (OR?=?1.12, 95 % CI 0.52–2.61, p?=?0.71), or stillbirth (OR?=?1.05, 95 % CI 0.38–2.97, p?=?0.92). There is an increased risk of fetal loss in pregnant patients with pSS. The presented evidence further supports multidisciplinary care for these patients to prevent complications during pregnancy.     

The prevalence and correlates of habitual snoring during pregnancy

Purpose

Mounting evidence implicate habitual snoring, a prominent symptom of sleep-disordered breathing, as an important risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Little, however, is known about the determinants of habitual snoring among pregnant women. We sought to assess its prevalence and to identify maternal characteristics associated with habitual snoring during pregnancy.

Methods

Pregnant women (N?=?1,303) receiving prenatal care provided information about habitual snoring before and during pregnancy in in-person interviews completed in early pregnancy. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) from multivariable models designed to identify factors associated with snoring during pregnancy.

Results

Approximately 7.3 % of pregnant women reported habitual snoring during early pregnancy. The odds of habitual snoring during pregnancy was strongly related with maternal reports of habitual snoring prior to the index pregnancy (aOR?=?24.32; 95 % CI, 14.30–41.51). Advanced maternal age (≥35 years) (aOR?=?2.02; 95 % CI, 1.11–3.68), history of pregestational diabetes (aOR?=?3.61; 95 % CI, 1.07–12.2), history of mood and anxiety disorders (aOR?=?1.81; 95 % CI, 1.02–3.20), and prepregnancy overweight (25–29.9 kg/m²) (aOR?=?2.31; 95 % CI, 1.41–3.77) and obesity (≥30 kg/m²) (aOR?=?2.81; 95 % CI, 1.44–5.48) status were statistically significant risk factors for habitual snoring during pregnancy. In addition, maternal smoking during pregnancy (aOR?=?2.70; 95 % CI, 1.17–6.26) was associated with habitual snoring during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Identification of risk factors for habitual snoring during pregnancy has important implications for developing strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing, promoting improved sleep hygiene and improved pregnancy outcomes among reproductive-age women.     

Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus from a multiethnic US cohort: LUMINA (LVI) [corrected

OBJECTIVE: To study the factors associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: SLE women from LUMINA of Hispanic, African American and Caucasian ethnicity were studied. Adverse pregnancy outcome was a miscarriage or abortion (<20 weeks), a stillbirth (> or = 20) and/or a moderate to severe preterm-baby (<34 weeks); good outcome was either a mild preterm-baby (> or = 34 weeks) or a full-term baby [C-section or vaginal delivery (38-42 weeks)]. Pregnancies occurring after SLE diagnosis (TD) were included; pregnancy outcome was the unit of analyses. The relationship between selected variables and pregnancy outcomes was examined by univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Adverse outcomes occurred in 63.7% of 102 pregnancies. In the univariable analyses, Texan Hispanic and African American ethnicities, fewer years of education, higher number of ACR criteria, renal involvement, glucocorticoid exposure and the maximum dose of glucocorticoids used prior to the pregnancy outcome were associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome. Renal involvement was independently associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome [Odds ratio (OR)=5.219 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.416-19.239, p=0.0131] as were the maximum dose of glucocorticoids used prior to the pregnancy outcome (OR=1.028; CI:1.002-1.054; p=0.0315) and fewer years of education (OR=1.204; CI:1.006-1.472; p=0.0437). Ethnicity was not retained in the multivariable model. CONCLUSION: Renal involvement, the maximum dose of glucocorticoids used prior to pregnancy and fewer years of education were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. These data have implications for the management of women with lupus planning to become pregnant.     

Impact of previous lupus nephritis on maternal and fetal outcomes during pregnancy

Previous reports suggest that renal involvement before pregnancy or active renal disease during pregnancy may be associated with poor fetal and maternal outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) women. We report our experience of fetal and maternal complications in pregnant lupus women with and without previous lupus nephritis. We analyzed the clinical records of pregnant SLE patients attended in a tertiary reference center during a 5-year period. Patients were allocated into two groups according to the presence or absence of previous lupus nephritis. Women were evaluated monthly during pregnancy and at least 1 month postpartum. Maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy were abstracted. We included 95 pregnancies in 92 patients. Compared with pregnant women without lupus nephritis (n = 60), pregnancies with previous lupus nephritis (n = 35) were associated with a higher risk of maternal complications (88.5% vs. 43.3%, p = 0.00001), higher rate of lupus flares (54.2% vs. 25%, p = 0.004), and renal flares (45.7% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.00001), but most of which in most instances were reversible. On the other hand, fetal outcome was similar in both groups. Multivariate analysis showed that previous lupus nephritis and active lupus at conception were predictors of adverse maternal outcome. Pregnancies in women with previous lupus nephritis had a higher rate of maternal complications in comparison with those without. However, fetal prognosis was similar in both groups.     

Pregnancy outcome in 396 pregnancies in patients with SLE in Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to examine the pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the effect of SLE flare and treatment on pregnancy outcomes. We performed a retrospective evaluation of all pregnancies occurring in patients with SLE during the 27-year period from 1980 to 2006. Of the 319 women with SLE planning pregnancy after SLE onset, 176 (55.2%) conceived resulting in 396 pregnancies. Live births were significantly lower in proportion (70.2% vs. 85.7%) and more likely to end in fetal deaths (29.7% vs. 14.2%) and preterm births (26.7% vs. 5.8 %) in pregnancies occurring after SLE onset than in pregnancies occurring before SLE onset (p < 0.0001). With respect to different disease manifestations, we found that fetal loss was significantly higher in patients with antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies than without (p < 0.001). Preterm deliveries were significantly more frequent in patients with lupus nephritis, anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, hypertension, history of intravenous cyclophosphamide treatment and aPL than those without these features (p < 0.05). Neonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) neonates were more common in hypertensive and Raynaud's-positive pregnancies (p < 0.05). SLE flares occurred in 30.8% pregnancies. There was increased risk of fetal loss, preterm births and IUGR in pregnancies with SLE exacerbations than without (p < 0.05). Prednisolone was found to improve the rate of live births, although it was also a predictor of prematurity. The predictors of pregnancy loss were lupus nephritis (odds ratio (OR) 7.3), aPL (OR 3.9), and SLE flares in pregnancy (OR 1.9). There was higher risk of preterm deliveries in patients with lupus nephritis (OR 18.9), anti-Ro antibodies (OR 13.9), hypertension (OR 15.7) and SLE flares (OR 2.5). IUGR was found to be associated with hypertension (OR 37.7), Raynaud's (OR 12.3), and SLE flares (OR 4.2). In conclusion, pregnancies in SLE patients with active lupus nephritis, anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, aPL, hypertension, Raynaud's phenomenon, active disease at conception and SLE exacerbations are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is important to carefully plan pregnancy, and experienced rheumatologists and obstetricians should monitor SLE patients in pregnancy and postpartum.     

A systematic review and quantitative assessment of sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes

Purpose

Previous investigations have suggested a strong association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. However, the results of the following replication studies were not always concordant. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the more reliable estimate.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Springer Link, and EMBASE to identify all eligible studies published before August 2013. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed or random effects model.

Results

A total of 24 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Findings demonstrated that moderate-to-severe SDB during pregnancy was associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (OR?=?1.78; 95 % CI, 1.29 to 2.46), pregnancy-related hypertension (OR?=?2.38; 95 % CI, 1.63 to 3.47), preeclampsia (OR?=?2.19; 95 % CI, 1.71 to 2.80), preterm delivery (OR?=?1.98; 95 % CI, 1.59 to 2.48), low birth weight (OR?=?1.75; 95 % CI, 1.33 to 2.32), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (OR?=?2.43; 95 % CI, 1.61 to 3.68), intrauterine growth restriction (OR?=?1.44; 95 % CI, 1.22 to 1.71), and Apgar score of <7 at 1 min (OR?=?1.78; 95 % CI, 1.10 to 2.91) based on all studies but not gestational age and birth weight.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis revealed that moderate-to-severe SDB during pregnancy may be associated with most of adverse perinatal outcomes. Further well-designed studies are warranted to confirm our findings.     

In-hospital mortality for pulmonary embolism: relationship with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The hospital admission and discharge database of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy

The impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the outcome of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the effect of renal dysfunction (defined by ICD-9-CM codification) on in-hospital mortality for PE. We considered all cases of PE (first event) recorded in the database of hospital admissions for the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, from 1999 to 2009. The inclusion criterion was the presence, as a main discharge diagnosis, of acute PE codes according to ICD-9-CM. Diagnoses of immobilization, dementia, sepsis, skeletal fractures, hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, pneumonia, malignancy, CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were also considered to evaluate comorbidity. The outcome was in-hospital mortality for PE, and multivariate logistic regression analyses was performed. We considered 24,690 cases of first episode of PE. In-hospital mortality for PE was not different in patients without renal dysfunction, with CKD, or ESRD (23.6 vs. 24 vs. 18 % p = ns). In-hospital mortality for PE was independently associated with age (OR 1.045, 95 % CI 1.042–1.048, p < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.322, 95 % CI 1.242–1.406, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR 1.096, 95 % CI 1.019–1.178, p = 0.013), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.120, 95 % CI 1.001–1.253, p = 0.049), dementia (OR 1.171, 95 % CI 1.020–1.346, p = 0.025), peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.349, 95 % CI 1.057–1.720, p = 0.016) and malignancy (OR 1.065, 95 % CI 1.016–1.116, p = 0.008). Age and comorbidity are associated with in-hospital mortality for PE, whereas CKD does not appear to be an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized for PE.     

Clinical features,outcome, and associated factors for posterior reversible encephalopathy in Thai patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case-control study

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been recognized increasingly. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical features, brain imaging findings, outcomes, and associated factors of PRES in Thai SLE patients. SLE patients with PRES were identified from the lupus cohort of Chiang Mai University. Controls were SLE patients with a hospital number close to and actually had SLE diagnosis within 5 years of the case (case:control ratio = 1:4). Of 1,332 SLE patients, 30 episodes of PRES were identified in 24 female SLE patients (prevalence 1.80%). The mean ± SD age at SLE diagnosis and at onset of PRES was 25.02 ± 13.78 and 28.31 ± 12.61 years, respectively. Seizure was the most common presenting symptom, as seen in 28 episodes, followed by acute severe headache in 17, alteration of consciousness in 17, nausea and vomiting in 10, blurred vision in 11, and hemiparesis in 3. Abrupt increase in blood pressure and active nephritis were seen in 29 and 26 of the episodes, respectively. Urine protein/creatinine ratio > 1.00 (OR 15.72, 95% CI 3.12–79.12, p = 0.001) and hemoglobin < 10 gm/dL (OR 5.12, 95% CI 1.37–19.15, p = 0.015) were associated factors for developing PRES. During the observation period, 7 patients in the PRES group and 8 in the control group died (p = 0.015). PRES was uncommon in SLE patients, but associated with a high mortality rate. Active nephritis and anemia were associated factors of PRES in Thai SLE patients.     

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene polymorphism and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level in Egyptian children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Angiotensin II, the major effective molecule of the renin-angiotensin system, plays a vital role in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To study angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene polymorphism at (A1166C) in Egyptian children with SLE and its correlation with serum ACE level and SLE manifestations. AT1R gene polymorphism (A1166C) was done in 123 children with SLE in comparison to 100 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP) and the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) to confirm the results of the genotyping. Serum ACE level measurement was done using ELISA technique. The frequencies of C-containing genotypes (AC?+?CC) and C-allele of AT1R (A1166C) were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to controls (p?<?0.0001, OR?=?4.9, 95% CI?=?2.7–8.8; p ? 0.0001, OR?=?3.6, 95% CI?=?2.2–5.9, respectively). Lupus nephritis (LN) patients had significantly higher frequency of (AC?+?CC) genotypes and C-allele compared with controls (p ? 0.0001, OR?=?5.1, 95% CI?=?2.7–9.7; p ? 0.0001, OR?=?3.5, 95% CI?=?2.1–6.02, respectively). Mean serum ACE levels were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to controls (p ? 0.0001). There were no associations between AT1R gene polymorphism and serum ACE level and the clinical manifestations of SLE. The AT1R gene polymorphism can be considered a risk factor for the development of SLE in Egyptian children.     

Clinical and serological risk factors of systemic lupus erythematosus outcomes during pregnancy

IntroductionSLE is an important risk factor for mother and fetus during pregnancy.Aim of the workTo identify clinical and serological risk factors that may cause poor maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.Patients and methodsForty selected SLE pregnant women (group A) versus 35 non-pregnant SLE patients (group B). SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and flares were evaluated for both groups. Laboratory investigations included double stranded DNA, anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and complements (C3 & C4). SLE pregnant patients were followed up in the second and third trimesters by ultrasonography and fetal Doppler were done to assess fetal outcome. Risk factors for poor maternal and fetal outcome were recorded.ResultsSLEDAI was increased in both groups more in group A. Lupus flares were increased during pregnancy as it occurred in (62.5%) of group A compared to (37.14%) in group B where severe flares were more frequent in group A. Gestational hypertension and active SLEDAI were found statistically significant for poor maternal outcome. Fetal outcome included full term 37.5%, prematurity 25%, intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) 22.5%, stillbirth 12.5%, abortion 7.5% and congenital heart block (CHB) 2.5%. Factors significantly associated with poor fetal outcome were severe flares and active renal disease where fetal loss significantly associated with aCL antibodies. Full term was more common in patients with no flares.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that pregnancy in SLE patients should be considered as a high-risk pregnancy and conception should be planned during a quiescent period. Close monitoring for optimal disease control of flares, lupus nephritis, gestational hypertension and aCL antibodies is recommended.     

Repeat pregnancy in women with HIV infection in Latin America and the Caribbean

Intended and unintended pregnancies occur frequently among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women. We evaluated the occurrence of repeat pregnancy and characteristics associated with this outcome among HIV-infected women in Latin America and the Caribbean who were participating in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) International Site Development Initiative (NISDI). Of the 1342 HIV-infected pregnant women enrolled in NISDI, 124 (9.2%) had one or more repeat pregnancies on study. Median time between the index delivery and date of conception of the subsequent pregnancy was 1.4 years (range 0.1–5.7). Younger age (odds ratio [OR]?=?1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.11 per one year decrease in age), hospitalization during the index pregnancy or up to six months post-partum [OR?=?2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.4], and poor index pregnancy outcome (stillbirth or spontaneous/therapeutic abortion; OR?=?3.4, 95% CI: 1.4–8.4) were associated with increased occurrence of repeat pregnancy in multivariable analysis. Among women with repeat pregnancies, the proportion receiving antiretroviral treatment (vs. prophylaxis) increased from 39.4% at the time of the index pregnancy to 81.8% at the time of the repeat pregnancy (p?相似文献   

Pregnancy rates and predictors of conception, miscarriage and abortion in US women with HIV

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency and outcomes of pregnancy in US women with HIV before and after introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study at six US centers. METHODS: HIV seropositive and at-risk seronegative women reported pregnancy outcomes at 6-month intervals during the period 1 October 1994 to 31 March 2002. Outcomes were tabulated and pregnancy rates calculated. Logistic regression defined outcome correlates. RESULTS: Pregnancy rates were 7.4 and 15.2 per 100 person-years in seropositive and seronegative women, respectively (P < 0.0001). Among seropositives, 119 (36%) pregnancies ended in live birth, six (2%) in stillbirth, 126 (36%) in abortion, 83 (24%) in miscarriage, 16 (5%) in ectopic pregnancy, and two (1%) in other outcomes (P = nonsignificant versus seronegatives). Independent baseline correlates of conception in seropositives included younger age [odds ratio (OR), 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16-1.23], prior abortion (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.25-2.63), lower HIV RNA levels (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10-1.54 for each log decrease), and being unmarried (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.02-2.44). Baseline antiretroviral use at baseline was linked to lower conception risk (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.49-0.98 for mono- or combination therapy; OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.03-4.28 for HAART). Abortion was less likely during the HAART era, (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.35-1.33 during the early HAART era; OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23-0.90 during the later HAART era, compared with before HAART). CONCLUSIONS: Women with HIV were less likely to conceive than at-risk uninfected women, but pregnancy outcomes were similar. Abortion became less common after the introduction of HAART.     

Fertility,ovarian failure,and pregnancy outcome in SLE patients treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide in Saudi Arabia

Intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV CYC) has been and still used for treatment of severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease occurring predominantly in women. IV CYC has been shown to predispose patients to ovarian failure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We studied the impact of prior IV CYC treatment on ovarian function and pregnancy in our SLE patients, in terms of amenorrhea, fertility, and pregnancy outcome over a 26-year period. The study included 535 women (319 married), out of which 188 received IV CYC and 347 did not. Sixty-one patients experienced amenorrhea; the rate of amenorrhea in IV CYC user group (28.2 %; n?=?53) was significantly higher than that in non-IV CYC group (3.7 %; n?=?8) (P?相似文献   

Systemic lupus erythematosus and the risk of perioperative major adverse cardiovascular events

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The relationship between SLE and perioperative cardiovascular risks following non-cardiac surgery is uncertain. We investigated associations between a diagnosis of SLE and outcomes following major non-cardiac surgery in a large national database from the United States. Patients age?≥?18 years requiring major non-cardiac surgery were identified from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s National Inpatient Sample data from 2004 to 2014. Systemic lupus erythematosus and perioperative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke or death) were defined by ICD-9 diagnosis codes. Perioperative MACE were reported for SLE patients stratified by age and sex. From 2004 to 2014, a total of 17,853,194 hospitalizations for major non-cardiac surgery met study inclusion criteria. SLE was identified in 70,578 (0.4%) hospitalizations. Overall, the frequency of perioperative MACE was higher in patients with vs. without SLE [2.4 vs. 2.0%, p <?0.001; adjusted OR (aOR) 1.25; 95% CI 1.18–1.31]. Perioperative MACE associated with SLE was largely driven by increased death (aOR 1.58 95% CI 1.40–1.77) and myocardial infarction (aOR 1.32; 95% CI 1.05–1.66) in younger patients with SLE. The increased risk of perioperative MACE associated with SLE in younger patients was attenuated with increasing age. A diagnosis of SLE is associated with increased risk of perioperative MACE, particularly among younger patients. Efforts to improve the perioperative management and outcomes of patients with SLE are needed.     

Non-neurological complications of acute stroke: frequency and influence on clinical outcome

Understanding the nature and clinical relevance of non-neurological complications is crucial to provide an appropriate management to patients with acute stroke. The aims of this study in patients with acute stroke were to assess the in-hospital frequency of non-neurological complications and the correlation between these complications and adverse outcome (death or disability) at 3 months. Patients with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke admitted to the Stroke Unit of the University of Perugia were included in a prospective cohort study. Pre-defined non-neurological complications were considered for study purposes. Study outcomes were 3-month death and composite of death and disability. Stroke was defined as not disabling (mRS 0–2) or disabling (mRS 3–5) or leading to death (mRS 6). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for study outcomes. 1,101 consecutive patients (mean age 72.2 ± 13.1 years; 57.1% males; 926 ischemic and 175 hemorrhagic) were included in the study; 338 patients (30.7%) experienced at least one non-neurological complication. 269 patients (24.4%) had fever, 210 patients (19.1%) infection in one or more sites, 86 patients (7.8%) venous thromboembolism (VTE) and 34 patients (3.0%) myocardial infarction. At 3 months, 511 patients (46.4%) were disabled and 123 had died (11.2%). Regression logistic analysis found that: (1) age (OR 1.06 for 1 added year; 95% CI 1.03–1.08), NIHSS score on admission (OR 1.31 for 1 added point; 95% CI 1.25–1.38), current smoking (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.08–3.39), infection in any site (OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.51–11.28) and VTE (OR 6.03; 95% CI 1.44–25.11) were associated with death and/or disability (mRS ≥ 3) and that (2) age (OR 1.06 for 1 added year; 95% CI 1.02–1.09), high NIHSS score on admission (OR 1.21 for 1 added point; 95% CI 1.15–1.27), male gender (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.04–3.62), fever (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.08–4.86) and myocardial infarction (OR 6.57; 95% CI 2.30–18.74) were associated with increased mortality. In conclusions, patients with acute stroke are at high risk of non-neurological complications, such as fever with or without infections, venous thromboembolism and myocardial infarction. Non-neurological complications are associated with increased long-term disability and death.     

A retrospective study of maternal and neonatal outcomes in overweight and obese women with gestational diabetes mellitus

In pregnant women, obesity is a risk factor for multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, and preterm birth. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with GDM. A retrospective study of 5010 patients with GDM in 11 provinces in China was performed in 2011. Participants were divided into three groups based on BMI as follows: a normal weight group (BMI 18.5–23.9 kg/m²), an overweight group (BMI 24–27.9 kg/m²), and an obese group (BMI ≥28.0 kg/m²). Maternal baseline characteristics and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationships between BMI and the risk of adverse outcomes. Of the 5010 GDM patients, 2879 subjects were from north China and 2131 were from south China. Women in the normal weight group gained more weight during pregnancy compared with the overweight and obese GDM patients. Women in the overweight and obese groups had increased odds of hypertension during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)?=?1.50, 95 % confidence interval (CI)?=?1.31–1.76 and AOR?=?2.12, 95 % CI?=?1.84–3.16). The AORs for macrosomia in the overweight and obese groups were 1.46 (95 % CI?=?1.16–1.69) and 1.94 (95 % CI?=?1.31–2.98), respectively. The relative risk of delivering a baby with an Apgar score <7 at 5 min was significantly higher in women who were obese (AOR?=?2.11, 95 % CI?=?1.26–2.85) before pregnancy compared with normal weight women. Compared with the normal weight subjects, the incidence of cesarean section and emergency cesarean section among overweight and obese women with GDM was significantly higher (P?<?0.001). Overall, overweight and obese women with GDM have an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including hypertension during pregnancy, macrosomic infants, infants with low Apgar scores, and the need for an emergency cesarean section. More attention should be paid to GDM women who are obese because they are at risk for multiple adverse outcomes.     

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of CD244 gene predispose to renal and neuropsychiatric manifestations with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CD244 gene with several clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Two hundred and forty-three patients with SLE and 369 healthy controls were enrolled. Two SNPs (rs6682654 and rs3766379) in the CD244 gene were determined by allelic discrimination using a specific TaqMan probe. Only SNP rs3766379 was significantly associated with susceptibility to SLE [P = 0.009; odds ratio (OR) 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.57]. The association was preferentially observed in subsets of SLE patients with nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus. The frequency of the rs6682654 C allele was strongly associated with nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus (P = 0.00065; OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.34–2.95, and P = 1.6 × 10^?7; OR 3.47; 95% CI 2.12–5.70, respectively), as was the frequency of the rs3766379 T allele (P = 0.0014; OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27–2.71, and P = 2.6 × 10^?7; OR 3.15; 95% CI 2.00–4.96, respectively). In this study, an SNP of the CD244 gene was associated with susceptibility to SLE. There was a strikingly strong association in SLE patients with nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus, suggesting that this genetic marker could predict involvement of those severe complications.