Tuberculosis and pregnancy

Objectives: There are many myths surrounding pregnancy and tuberculosis (TB), and outcome of treatment. This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, India, and at the authors’ private clinics from 1986 to 2001 to determine the outcome of pregnancy if TB is treated properly. Methods: A total of 111 pregnant women diagnosed as having pulmonary and glandular TB were included in the study. They were matched for age, parity, and socioeconomic status with 51 pregnant women without TB (first control group), and 51 women with pulmonary TB but without pregnancy (second control group). The usual pregnancy management was given to the women in the study group, along with a short course of chemotherapy: either ethambutol, INH, or rifampicin and pyrazinamide for 2 months followed by INH and rifampicin for 4 months; or ethambutol, INH, and rifampicin for 2 months followed by INH and rifampicin for 7 months. Statistical analysis was done using a χ²-test. Results: There were no statistical differences in duration of gestation, preterm labor, and other complications of pregnancy, labor, and puerperium between the pregnancy groups. There were no congenital anomalies in the babies born to the groups. Pregnancy had no effect on the course of TB as regards sputum conversion, stabilization of the disease, and non-relapse even after 2–5 years of follow-up and a further delivery in a few cases. Conclusions: If proper and adequate chemotherapy is given to pregnant women with TB, they are not a higher risk than non-pregnant women with TB. Neither the disease nor chemotherapy is threatening to mother or newborn. However, today the ominous combination of human immunodeficiency virus, TB, and pregnancy poses a new challenge.     

Prevalence of heart disease diagnosed de novo in pregnancy in a West London population

Objectives To determine the prevalence of heart disease diagnosed de novo in pregnancy in a West London population and to re-examine the current role of routine cardiovascular examination in antenatal care in the UK.
Design Retrospective study.
Setting Obstetric medical clinics at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, University College Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital.
Population Three hundred and twenty women referred for cardiac evaluation during pregnancy.
Results The majority of the 139 women referred specifically for evaluation of murmurs during pregnancy were found to have physiological murmurs (97%). Only four women (3%) were found to have significant cardiac lesions de novo in their pregnancy. Three of these four women were immigrants who had no previous history of heart disease. The only woman from the UK was already known to have a murmur from childhood.
Conclusions Our study shows that heart disease diagnosed de novo in pregnancy in a West London population is an uncommon problem with low prevalence. It also appears to be a problem seen mainly in the immigrant population. The results emphasise the importance of taking a thorough medical history in all pregnant women. However, our results if they are confirmed, would suggest that only immigrants and those with significant symptoms or a known history of heart murmur or heart disease need undergo cardiovascular examination during pregnancy. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger group in other parts of the UK before further recommendations on selective cardiovascular examination can be made. This will have significant implications for midwifery-led care.     

Tuberculosis and pregnancy--Results of a study in a high prevalence area in London

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to characterise the incidence, type and presentation of tuberculosis in pregnancy over a 5-year period in women booked for antenatal care in a District General Hospital located in a high prevalence area in London. We also aimed to identify any problems and difficulties in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis associated with pregnancy. DESIGN: Retrospective review of computer records and hospital notes over a period of 5 years from January 1997 to December 2001. Demographic and clinical data were collected for all the cases identified. POPULATION: All women with tuberculosis who conceived on antituberculous treatment, or had onset of symptoms or diagnosis made in pregnancy or the immediate postpartum period (6 weeks), and booked for antenatal care at a District General Hospital located in an area of high prevalence for tuberculosis (52.2 per 100,000 population in Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow Health authority according to the National Tuberculosis Survey of England and Wales in 1998). RESULTS: Thirty-two women were identified over the 5-year period, giving an incidence of 252/100,000 deliveries. The number of cases increased from 3 in 1997 to 10 in each of 2000 and 2001. All of these women were from ethnic minorities and 88% of them were immigrants with the median interval from arrival in UK being 2 years. Fifty-three percent were diagnosed with extrapulmonary tuberculosis, 38% with pulmonary tuberculosis and 9% had both. The median duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 31 days (being longer in women with extrapulmonary tuberculosis); the longest was 10 years. The median interval from presentation of symptoms to diagnosis was 32 days and the majority of women started treatment immediately. The commonest reason for a delay in diagnosis was late presentation (52%), followed by non-specific symptoms (in 38%). There was a trend towards late presentation among recent immigrants (odds ratio 2.14, 95% confidence interval 0.44-10.53) and those having extrapulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio 1.64, 95% CI 0.32-8.45). Most of the women (28/32) showed good compliance and a good response to treatment (31/32). Maternal outcomes were good with no serious morbidity or mortality. The majority of women delivered at term (28/32), while two delivered preterm and two women miscarried. There was no perinatal mortality. CONCLUSION: This is the largest recent series of pregnant women with tuberculosis in the UK. A high incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis was seen. The common causes for a delay in diagnosis were late presentation and non-specific symptoms. If recent immigrants from high prevalence areas who have been in the UK for less than 5 years were asked for symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis at the booking visit and through pregnancy, this might facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. The use of a symptom questionnaire at the booking visit for these women could be a method to alert both the women and health professionals involved in their care, to the symptoms of tuberculosis. With good compliance, there is a good response to treatment and favourable maternal and perinatal outcomes.     

Pregnancy and tuberculosis: to assess tuberculosis cases in pregnancy in a developing region retrospectively and two case reports

Pregnancy and tuberculosis (TB)  To assess TB cases during pregnancy in a developing region retrospectively and to present two case reports. Objectives  Since TB cases activated by HIV infection during pregnancy are well reported in the literature, we aimed to investigate the aggressiveness of pulmonary TB among pregnant women and to assess the effects of TB on the fetus in Kutahya, an area where HIV positive cases are not seen. Materials and methods  The medical records between 2000 and 2005 of the Provincial Health Directorate and Dispensary Against Tuberculosis in Kutahya were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Results  Between 2000 and 2005, 667 pulmonary TB cases were examined in the Kutahya region. Of these, 106 occurred in women at reproductive ages between 20 and 44. All were HIV negative cases. In this area, five TB cases were found during pregnancy. There were three cases seen in the first trimester, but pregnancy was ended by curettage. Two women had pulmonary TB and gave birth. Five cases were evaluated as class 1 TB. During and after pregnancy, isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide (INH + RFP + ETB + PRZ) were used for the treatment. Resistance to anti-TB drugs was not seen during the treatment. Neither congenial nor neonatal TB was seen. Conclusion  Generally, TB is expected to be more aggressive during pregnancy. Since our cases were HIV negative, it can be thought that TB did not progress aggressively. Less aggressiveness and non-resistance to TB treatment in HIV-negative pregnant women compared with HIV-positive women were observed. Therefore, HIV infection results in greater mortality than the triple combination of human immunodeficiency virus, mycobacterium TB, and pregnancy. Besides, the advance of TB in pregnant women was not different from that in non-pregnant women in Kutahya. The fetus and the newborn were not affected. INH, RFP, ETB, and PRZ were used for therapy.     

Tuberculosis A Persistent Health Care Problem

Tuberculosis (TB) persists as a serious public health problem in the United States in spite of the fact that effective chemotherapy has been available for over 35 years. Over 20,000 new cases and 1800 deaths still occur each year. The continued occurrence of hundreds of cases in young children is especially alarming, as newborns and children under 3 years of age are at great risk of disseminated disease and its lethal complications. The disease persists in part because many health care providers do not consider it a problem. Nurse-midwives care for a number of groups at high risk of infection (innercity populations, Indochinese and Latin American immigrants, and American Indians) and can be important in helping to eliminate TB. This article provides information about the transmission, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of the disease, as well as guidelines for screening, diagnosis and treatment of TB in both pregnant and nonpregnant women and in newborns.     

Ectopic pregnancy

The incidence of ectopic pregnancy in the United States has been reported to be as high as 20 per 1000 pregnancies, a more than 4-fold increase over the last 20 years. Clinical presentation can range from subtle, nonspecific abdominal complaints to acute onset pain or hemorrhagic bleeding. This article reviews the associated risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of ectopic pregnancy. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion whenever women who might be pregnant have abdominal complaints.     

Pulmonary tuberculosis in pregnancy

Tuberculosis (TB) was once a formidable public health hazard but is now less feared because of the development of an armamentarium of effective drugs. The incidence of TB had been declining for decades until recently when the number of cases of TB began to rise. The most obvious reasons for this trend were the rising rate of human immunodeficiency virus infection and the development of multiple drug–resistant TB. The largest percentage increase in TB cases occurred among persons 25 to 44 years of age; many of them are women. A number of these women will first be diagnosed with TB infection during pregnancy. It is important for the clinician to be aware of the impact of TB on this population. Patients must be screened as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because it is important to quickly diagnose TB. Prompt and effective therapy will benefit the mother and the neonate. This article reviews the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment regimens of TB in pregnancy, as well as the effects on the HIV patient, the neonate, and breastfeeding. Prompt recognition and treatment of TB infection will ensure that the rates of TB cases decline.     

Tuberculosis in pregnancy

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important infection in women globally. It is responsible for 700 000 deaths annually and is a major contributor to maternal mortality. Mycobacterium tuberculosis/HIV co-infection is common in areas of high HIV prevalence, and may be associated with significant perinatal and maternal morbidity. Improved diagnosis and treatment of TB in pregnant women are important interventions for both maternal and child health. Controlling TB in pregnancy in high-prevalence areas requires a range of interventions, including active TB screening in pregnant women, TB preventative therapy for HIV-infected pregnant women, treatment of active TB and linking mothers and children to TB care services.     

Positive pregnancy outcomes in Mexican immigrants: what can we learn?

OBJECTIVE: To provide an integrated review of the literature of potential explanations for better than expected pregnancy outcomes in Mexican immigrants, focusing on socioeconomics, social support, desirability of pregnancy, nutrition, substance use, religion, acculturation, and prenatal care. DATA SOURCES: Computerized searches of MEDLINE and CINAHL databases, as well as reference lists from published articles on low birth weight and prematurity in immigrants and acculturation in immigrants from January 1989 to December 2002. Search terms were Mexican immigrant women, childbearing, and pregnancy outcome, and only English-language articles were reviewed. STUDY SELECTION: Literature was selected from refereed publications in the areas of nursing, medicine, public health, family, and sociology. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted using keywords pertinent to pregnancy outcome in Mexican immigrants. DATA SYNTHESIS: Despite having many of the risk factors for poor pregnancy outcomes, Mexican immigrants have superior birth outcomes when compared to U.S.-born women. Social support, familism, healthy diet, limited use of cigarettes and alcohol, and religion may play a role in improved outcomes. The superior outcomes diminish with the process of acculturation as the individual adapts to her new culture. CONCLUSIONS: Low birth weight and prematurity are public health concerns in the United States. Through further study of the factors that lead to superior birth outcomes among Mexican immigrant women, rates of low birth weight and prematurity in the United States may be reduced.     

Self-reported oral hygiene habits,dental attendance and attitudes to dentistry during pregnancy in a sample of immigrant women in North London

Aims The aim of this study was to describe self-reported oral health, oral hygiene habits, frequency of visits to a dentist and factors associated with dental attendance among pregnant women at a North London Hospital, the majority of whom are immigrants. Background Peridontal disease is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study is to describe self-reported oral health, oral hygiene habits, frequency of visits to a dentist and factors associated with dental attendance among pregnant women at a North London Hospital, the majority of whom are immigrants. Materials and methods A questionnaire designed by the authors was completed by postnatal women within 3 days of delivery. Data collected included past dental attendance, reasons for attendance and information about age, parity and socio-economic group. Results In total, 206 women completed the questionnaires within 3 days of delivery; 74.2% of the mothers were not born in the UK and 38.3% were Black African. The mean age of was 28.19 ± 6.07 years. The majority reported good oral hygiene habits such as brushing their teeth twice a day (73.7%) and using mouthwash (51%). However, their dental attendance was poor and the average time since their last visit to a dentist was 1.8 ± 1.61 years. Over a third of the women questioned did not know about the availability of free dental care during pregnancy and for 12 months after; 33% visited a dentist in pregnancy and half of them needed and received treatment; 15% of mothers had more than one pregnancy and yet were still unaware of free dental care provided during pregnancy and 12 months after birth. Only 36% of questioned women regularly visited a dentist. Pregnancy did little to change their attitudes to dental care. There appears no difference in attitudes to dental care between immigrant and British born pregnant women. Conclusion Efforts to improve the uptake of dental care should be directed towards immigrant groups in order to promote better maternal health. Further research is required into the provision of dental care during pregnancy, as the high level of non-attendance demonstrated by mothers is undesirable.     

Unstable angina during pregnancy in two patients with premature coronary atherosclerosis and aortic stenosis in association with familial hypercholesterolemia

Obstructive atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is uncommon in women during childbearing age, and the occurrence of myocardial ischemia during pregnancy has therefore been anecdotal. Two young patients with premature coronary artery disease in association with familial hypercholestrolemia had unstable angina in the second trimester of pregnancy. Workup revealed coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis. One patient opted for abortion at the twentieth week of gestation, and the other decided to continue pregnancy and was delivered by cesarean at 28 weeks' gestation. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed after pregnancy in both patients. In addition, one of the patients underwent aortic valve replacement, and other had replacement of the narrowed ascending aorta with uneventful recovery. Our report describes an uncommon presentation of unstable angina during pregnancy in 2 young women with premature coronary artery disease and aortic valvular and supravalvular stenosis as a result of familial hypercholesterolemia. The management of these conditions during pregnancy is influenced by the effects of available therapeutic modalities on both maternal and fetal outcome.     

Tuberculosis in pregnancy

Tuberculosis (TB) during pregnancy and in the perinatal period was once considered to be an infrequent event in the United States. After a decade of steady decline, however, the disease has begun a resurgence. According to the CDC, a 20% increase in the number of reported cases occurred between 1985 and 1992. The factors associated with this increase are the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the development of drug-resistant organisms, substance abuse, homelessness, and immigration. Environmental factors promoting transmission can be found in overcrowded areas such as correctional facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and migrant-worker camps. For a large number of medically underserved women, the obstetrician is the only interface with medical care, as most of these patients do not have primary-care providers. It is important, therefore, that health-care providers recognize the clinical symptoms of TB and follow the recognized guidelines for antenatal screening for TB because the omission of these steps can lead to potentially disastrous sequelae in the fetus and neonate.     

TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis (TB) has reemerged as a major public health concern in the United States, with increasing impact upon women of childbearing and childrearing age. As a primary health care provider, the certified nurse-midwife (CNM) must be able to respond to a variety of client concerns and questions. This article reviews the natural history and changing epidemiology of TB. An in-depth focus on skin testing describes common errors in administration and interpretation, and how to clearly explain the meaning of a positive PPD result. Clinical presentations of active TB are summarized, with their implications for pregnancy and fertility. The final sections discuss the workup of latent TB to rule out active disease and outline standards for management and therapy. Combining a sound knowledge base with expertise in client education and counseling enables CNMs to make unique contributions to the broad effort to contain the new TB epidemic.     

Survival time after AIDS in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the suggestion, based on theoretical considerations and case reports, that pregnancy decreases survival time after AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). DESIGN: A total population study in Edinburgh. SETTING: A city with a moderately high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in women. SUBJECTS: AIDS has been diagnosed in 22 women, five of whom had a pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical characteristics, disease presentation, lymphocyte markers, pregnancy outcome, subsequent progress and survival time. RESULTS: Pregnancy was not obviously associated with a difference in clinical findings. The mean survival time for the three women with a pregnancy who died was 24 months and for the 11 women without a pregnancy it was 15 months. (P = 0.63 log rank test). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation, severity of the illness and laboratory findings were not obviously different in pregnancy. All three women who had Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia for the first time in pregnancy survived this initial episode. Survival time was not obviously reduced by the conjunction of pregnancy with AIDS.     

Thyroid disease in pregnancy

Thyroid testing during pregnancy should be performed on symptomatic women or those with a personal history of thyroid disease. Overt hypothyroidism complicates up to 3 of 1,000 pregnancies and is characterized by nonspecific signs or symptoms that are easily confused with complaints common to pregnancy itself. Physiologic changes in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T(4)) related to pregnancy also confound the diagnosis of hypothyroidism during pregnancy. If the TSH is abnormal, then evaluation of free T(4) is recommended. The diagnosis of overt hypothyroidism is established by an elevated TSH and a low free T(4). The goal of treatment with levothyroxine is to return TSH to the normal range. Overt hyperthyroidism complicates approximately 2 of 1,000 pregnancies. Clinical features of hyperthyroidism can also be confused with those typical of pregnancy. Clinical hyperthyroidism is confirmed by a low TSH and elevation in free T(4) concentration. The goal of treatment with thioamide drugs is to maintain free T(4) in the upper normal range using the lowest possible dosage. Postpartum thyroiditis requiring thyroxine replacement has been reported in 2% to 5% of women. Most women will return to the euthyroid state within 12 months.     

Carrier diagnostics and prevention of hemoglobinopathies in early pregnancy in The Netherlands: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: We have offered, for the first time in The Netherlands, carrier diagnostics for hemoglobinopathies (HbP) to early pregnant women. The aim of this study was to establish whether carrier analysis would be welcome by the public and feasible at the outpatient level. METHOD: One hundred and thirty-nine randomly selected women were informed and offered basic carrier diagnostics at the first pregnancy control. RESULTS: Carrier diagnostics was accepted by 136 women (97.8%). The population consisted of 31% of recent immigrants and 69% of native Dutch. One carrier of HbS and one of beta-thalassemia were found, both among the group of the recent immigrants. In both cases, partners were tested excluding a couple at risk. In addition, five carriers of alpha(+)-thalassemia were diagnosed at the molecular level, one of them in the native Dutch population. Basic carrier analysis was done both at the Hospital Laboratory and at the Reference Laboratory. No discrepancies were found. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows that (1) as predicted the prevalence of risk-related HbP and of alpha(+)-thalassemia is high in the immigrant population. (2) The compliance with carrier analysis in both native Dutch and immigrants is virtually total and (3) carrier diagnosis in early pregnancy and partner analysis in Hospital Laboratories is possible and is an effective tool for primary prevention of HbP in The Netherlands.     

Diaphragmatic tear in pregnancy induced by intractable vomiting: a case report and review of the literature

Objective: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, the most common medical condition of pregnancy, affects up to 80% of all pregnancies to some extent, and hyperemesis gravidarum does less than 1% of pregnant women. When hyperemesis gravidarum induces diaphragmatic tear, diagnosis can be missed because of nonspecific presentation with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Methods: We reported a pregnant case suffering from intractable vomiting at the beginning of the second trimester (the 13th week of gestation) with delayed diagnosis of diaphragmatic tearing. Results: The patient was misdiagnosed initially, which delayed the surgical intervention and unnecessary abortion. Conclusion: It is worthwhile considering the maternal diaphragmatic cause as an unusual one of refractory vomiting accompanied by clinically significant progressive epigastric pain, distension and respiratory embarrassment.     

Immunological aspects in EPH gestosis]

On the base of the fundamental knowledge on immunological reactions in the normal pregnancy the disease of the EPH-gestosis is described from the immunological viewpoint. The following facts may be significant: 1. The increased occurence of specific and nonspecific crossreacting antibodies against liver, kidney and placental tissue in the blood of pregnant women and puerperas. 2. The increased occurence of placental infarctions and throphoblastic defects as well as fibrinoid deposits in the placenta, the arteriols and in the kidney. 3. Changes in the protein composition of blood. 4. The changed maternal cell-mediated immunity.     

Risk factors and clinical features of recurrent ectopic pregnancy: a case control study

OBJECTIVE: To compare signs and symptoms between patients with recurrent and single ectopic pregnancies. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENT(S): Three hundred six women with single ectopic pregnancies and 61 women with recurrent ectopic pregnancies. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Risk factors, historical factors, and findings at presentation that may predispose to recurrent ectopic pregnancy. RESULT(S): The risk of recurrent ectopic pregnancy was increased with a history of surgery, history of live birth, and history of spontaneous miscarriage and not with a history of gonorrhea, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, Caesarean section, or pregnancy termination. Patients with a recurrent ectopic pregnancy had a nonsignificant trend toward higher initial hCG values. The majority of ultrasounds in both groups were nondiagnostic on presentation. The patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancy were less likely to have bleeding on initial presentation, though both groups had similar complaints of pain. CONCLUSION(S): Secondary prevention of ectopic pregnancy is problematic because of the paucity of risk factors that can be modified to diminish the odds of recurrence. Clinicians' ability to both diagnose and counsel patients at risk for recurrent ectopic pregnancy can be optimized by awareness of the clinical features of this condition.