Multiple pregnancy: antepartum management

The critical aspects of twin pregnancy begin with early diagnosis. After that, diet, bed rest, and frequent visits to the physician's office will enhance fetal outcome. Additionally, frequent ultrasound evaluations to assess fetal growth and fetal surveillance are also invaluable adjuncts. Prompt treatment of any medical or obstetrical complications will contribute to an overall improvement in maternal and fetal outcome.     

Risk and protective factors for antepartum and postpartum depression: a prospective study

Introduction: Antepartum risk and protective factors for postpartum depression (PPD; the most common mental disorder after childbirth besides postpartum anxiety), have been frequently investigated in cross-sectional studies, but less often longitudinally. This study examined linear and moderator effects of risk and protective factors for peripartum depression. First, we investigated the predictive power of risk factors (physical problems during pregnancy, pregnancy-related anxiety, stressful life events, dysfunctional self-consciousness (DSC)) and protective factors (resilience, social support) for antepartum depression (APD) and PPD. Second, as DSC plays an important role in major depression, we examined whether the protective factors moderate the association between the risk factors DSC and APD as well as PPD.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study with three measurement time points: six weeks antepartum (N?=?297), as well as six weeks (N?=?278) and twelve weeks (N?=?266) postpartum. Direct and moderator effects on APD were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. Moderated mediation effects were investigated to explore whether the indirect, long-term effect of DSC on PPD six weeks after birth (PPD-6) and PPD twelve weeks after birth (PPD-12) is moderated by resilience.

Results: Predictors for APD were high DSC, high concerns about one’s appearance, low resilience and low social support. Resilience buffered (weakened) the impact of DSC on APD and affected PPD-6 and PPD-12 indirectly through APD.

Discussion: The results suggest that PPD-12 is influenced directly and indirectly through PPD-6 by APD, but that this effect depends upon risk and protective factors, especially on the combined effects of resilience and DSC. The key finding of our study is the moderating (i.e. weakening) effect of resilience on the relationship between DSC and depression. Resilience and DSC may be an important issue for depression prevention and treatment programs in the peripartum period.     

Comparative evaluation of antepartum and postpartum platelet function in smokers and nonsmokers

Platelet aggregation was analyzed during normal pregnancy by evaluation of the same patient cohort (n = 19) on two separate prenatal visits and at 4 weeks post partum. To analyze platelet aggregation five different parameters were evaluated in platelet-rich plasma and whole blood (by impedance aggregometry) with the use of four different aggregating agents: adenosine diphosphate, collagen, sodium arachidonate, and epinephrine. Plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin, thromboxane B2, and 1,6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha were also analyzed. Platelet counts rose 19% after delivery. Plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin and thromboxane B2 were not significantly changed during the two antepartum visits, but B-thromboglobulin levels were modestly elevated post partum. Levels of 1,6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha decreased significantly from a mean of 125 pg/ml before delivery to 50 pg/ml post partum. All antepartum parameters on whole blood aggregation that were significantly different from postpartum values showed enhanced antepartum reactivity. In platelet-rich plasma, pregnancy was associated with greater platelet reactivity except for two variables, time to half-maximal aggregation for epinephrine and the extent of aggregation by collagen, both noted during the first antepartum evaluation. When the patient cohort of 19 was subdivided according to smoking status, all aggregation parameters of significance (p less than 0.05) demonstrated increased platelet reactivity during pregnancy compared with postpartum values. Smoking women accounted for a disproportionate number of significantly enhanced reactivity (seven variables versus three).     

Cancer free survival after CIN treatment: comparisons of treatment methods and histology

OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is one of the most lethal cancers among women worldwide. Women are treated and followed-up in several different manners. Long-term studies of cancer or death risks after different methods of treatment or after different initial histology are scarce. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study with 7466 women treated of CIN between 1974 and 2001 in Helsinki University Hospital followed-up until the end of 2003. The Cox model was used to determine differences in cancer free or overall survival between women treated of CIN with different methods or after different initial grade of CIN. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and 57 cases of CIN 3 after treatment of CIN were observed. There were no statistically significant differences in ICC free survival between different treatment methods or initial grade of CIN. In CIN 3 free survival, the hazard ratios for the 57 cases of CIN 3, when cold knife coagulation (CKC) was set as the reference, were 0.22 for laser, 0.55 for cryotherapy and 0.31 for LEEP. In CIN 3+ (CIN 3 or ICC) free survival, the hazard ratios of 79 CIN 3+ cases (CKC reference) were 0.25 for laser, 0.50 for cryotherapy and 0.27 for LEEP. There were no differences in overall survival between different grades of initial CIN. CONCLUSIONS: The CKC seems to be the least favorable in terms of both further cancer and CIN 3 risk. The follow-up has to be well organized because the post-treatment cancer risk is independent of the initial grade of CIN.     

Correlation of cervicovaginal cytology and histology in endometrial cancer

Authors compared the results of 242 cytologic examinations of patients suffering from endometrial carcinoma with the histologic picture of the tumour. Conventional methods of cytodiagnostic screening in case of less differentiated tumours were found to give better results. Results of hormonal cytologic examinations demonstrate that there is an inverse relation between differentiation of tumour and maturity of vaginal epithelium. The authors analyze this observation with regard to the receptor theory of the malignant transformation of the endometrium.     

Post-term pregnancy: fetal death rate with antepartum surveillance.

Management of the post-term pregnancy depends on the certainty of dating, likelihood of successful induction, and risks of expectant management. To estimate the risk of fetal death in an expectantly managed post-term population, we reviewed 8038 consecutive post-term gestations followed expectantly with a twice-weekly nonstress test and amniotic fluid index. There were nine antepartum fetal deaths and no intrapartum fetal deaths, a fetal mortality rate of 1.12 per 1000. Timing of delivery of the post-term gestation balances this risk of loss of a viable fetus with the risks of uncertain dating and failure of induction of labor.     

Baboon cervical colposcopy, histology, and cytology

Colposcopic cervical/vaginal examinations were performed on 10 healthy adult baboons. Five of the ten baboons had a “satisfactory” colposcopic cervical examination with columnar epithelium visible on the exocervix. However, only three of five with “satisfactory” colposcopic exams had large visible transformation zones. The colposcopic findings were confirmed by histologic study. Probable squamous metaplasia was seen in one of the four animals who underwent cervical biopsies. The histologic and cytologic similarities of the human and baboon cervical transformation zones were noted.Only the three animals with the large visible cervical transformation zones were considered suitable for colposcopic studies of the transformation zone. Thus only 30% of the baboons examined were considered suitable subjects for studies involving colposcopy. Screening colposcopic exams would be necessary to find this subpopulation of baboons with large transformation zones visible on the exocervix. The implications of this study relative to the use of baboons as an animal model for studies of intraepithelial neoplasia are discussed.     

High-risk pregnancy: postpartum rehospitalization.

OBJECTIVE: Examine frequency, timing, and reasons for maternal postpartum rehospitalizations and acute care visits 1 year postpartum after a high-risk pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data collected during a randomized clinical trial of advanced practice nurses gives transitional care for women with high-risk pregnancies. The 171 women were primarily African American, never married, Medicaid eligible, diagnosed with pregestational diabetes (20), gestational diabetes (23), either diagnosed (48) or at risk (44) for preterm labor, and chronic hypertension (36). RESULTS: Of the total rehospitalizations (17%) and acute care visits (32%), over one third occurred in the first 8 weeks postpartum. Chronic hypertensives and gestational diabetics had the highest rate of rehospitalization and proportion of acute care visits. Six women were rehospitalized for subsequent pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Women with high-risk pregnancies have continued high health care resource use over the first postpartum year demonstrating the need for more intensive patient education and follow-up to improve outcomes and reduce resource use.     

Dietary iodine in pregnancy and postpartum

Dietary iodine intake is required for thyroid hormone production. The impact of pregnancy on iodine metabolism and homeostasis and the impact of maternal dietary iodine status and supplementation on maternal thyroid volume and function are reviewed. The effects of iodine status on fetal and neonatal neurodevelopment during pregnancy and lactation are discussed.     

细胞学联合组织学在子宫内膜病变无创筛查中的应用价值

目的:探讨联合应用组织学及细胞学的方法筛查子宫内膜病变的临床应用价值。方法:选取62例有异常阴道出血或B超提示子宫内膜异常需行诊断性刮宫的妇女,术前使用一种特制的带有负压吸引装置的子宫内膜取样器进行宫腔细胞学采样,将细胞学及无创组织学的结果与诊断性刮宫后病理结果比较,分析其取材满意度、诊断符合率、出血量及疼痛程度。结果:子宫内膜取样器取材满意率为98.4%,细胞学诊断的敏感性、特异性及符合率分别达到83.3%、93.9%和91.8%;子宫内膜取样器中组织物获得率91.9%,通过取样器获得组织学的患者与其细胞学联合,诊断敏感性、特异性及准确率达到84.6%、95.8%和93.4%。子宫内膜取样器取材操作中出血量平均为(1.2±0.9)ml;诊断性刮宫取材满意率为100%,出血量平均为(6.3±8.3)ml。结论:可通过子宫内膜取样器获得子宫内膜的宫腔细胞学及组织学标本,从而做到简单、安全、可靠地筛查子宫内膜病变。     

Low-grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion during pregnancy: conservative antepartum management

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the regression rate and management of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) in pregnancy. Seventy-four women with cytological findings of LSIL were analysed during the pregnant-puerperal period (until 12 months postpartum). Age, parity, cytological and colposcopic findings, route of delivery, and postpartum follow-up were studied. The age and parity of patients ranged (average) from 12 to 32 years (21.2 +/- 4.9), 0-5 (0.89 +/- 1.14), and 9-32 years (16.1 +/- 3.5), respectively. Thirty-nine of 55 (70.9%) and 12 of 19 (63.1%) pregnant women had normal cytology after vaginal delivery and caesarean section, respectively (p > 0.05). In postpartum, eight patients (10.8%) persisted with LSIL and ten (13.5%) presented high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. No case of unsatisfactory colposcopy and invasive carcinoma were found. LSIL during pregnancy has a high rate of regression, regardless of the route of delivery. Conservative management with colposcopic evaluation is proposed during gestation.     

Acute antepartum pyelonephritis in pregnancy: a critical analysis of risk factors and outcomes

Objective

To test the incidence and sonographic parameters of pyelonephritis during pregnancy, and to examine risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of women with acute antepartum pyelonephritis.

Study design

A retrospective population-based study comparing all singleton pregnancies of patients with and without acute antepartum pyelonephritis was performed. Patients lacking prenatal care as well as multiple gestations were excluded from the study. Multiple logistic regression models were used to control for confounders.

Results

Out of 219,612 singleton deliveries in 1988–2010, 165 women (0.07%) suffered from acute antepartum pyelonephritis. Abnormal sonographic findings were found in 85.7% of the patients with pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis was significantly associated with nulliparity (46.1% vs. 24.4%, p < 0.001), younger maternal age (26.3 ± 6.0 vs. 28.6 ± 5.8 years, p < 0.001), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (6.7% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001), placental abruption (3.6% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001), low 1 min Apgar scores (10.3% vs. 6.0%, p < 0.05), urinary tract infection (UTI) (4.2% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001) and preterm delivery (less than 37 weeks gestation; 20.0% vs. 7.8%; p < 0.001). Using a multivariable analysis, independent risk factors for acute antepartum pyelonephritis were nulliparity (OR 2.0; 95% C.I 1.4–2.9; p < 0.001), UTI (OR 10.3; 95% C.I 4.8–22.1; p < 0.001) and younger maternal age (OR 0.96; 95% C.I 0.93–0.99; p = 0.009). Using another multivariable analysis, with preterm delivery as the outcome variable, acute antepartum pyelonephritis was found as an independent risk factor for preterm delivery (OR 2.6; 95% C.I 1.7–3.9; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Acute antepartum pyelonephritis is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and specifically is an independent risk factor for preterm delivery.     

Adenomyosis: symptoms, histology, and pregnancy terminations

OBJECTIVE: To correlate symptoms of uterine adenomyosis with histopathologic features. METHODS: One hundred eleven specimens of uteri and cervices that weighed under 280 g were reevaluated. When adenomyosis was identified, assessment included depth of adenomyotic foci, graded as deep (above 80%), intermediate (40-80%), and superficial (under 40%), and number of adenomyotic foci. Clinical data were collected from patient records. RESULTS: Specimens were categorized in four groups, 17 with adenomyosis alone, 19 with adenomyosis with leiomyomas, 39 with leiomyomas alone, and 36 with neither. Among women with adenomyosis alone, 58.8% had pregnancy terminations and 47.4% of women with adenomyosis and leiomyomas had terminations, compared with 20.5% of women with leiomyomas alone (P <.01) and 22.2% in those with neither (P <.01). The number of foci correlated significantly with depth within the myometrium in specimens with adenomyosis alone (r =.46, P =.05) or combined with leiomyomas (r =.66, P <.001). The median number of foci associated with dysmenorrhea was 10 compared with 4.5 without it (P <.003); in menorrhagia the respective median numbers were 7 and 7 (P =.25). Menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea presented in 36.8% and 77.8% of deep, compared with 13.3% (P <.001) and 12.5% (P <.001) of intermediate depths, respectively. Superficial depth was not associated with menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy termination might affect the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. The number of foci and their myometrial depths correlated to each other and to dysmenorrhea, but only myometrial depth correlated to menorrhagia.