Effect of young maternal age and skeletal growth on placental growth and development

Objectives

Teenagers are susceptible to delivering small-for-gestational-age infants. Previous studies implicate continued skeletal growth as a contributory factor, and impaired placental development was the primary cause of fetal growth restriction in growing adolescent sheep. The aims of this study were to examine the impact of young maternal age and growth on placental development.

Study design

Placentas were collected from 31 teenagers, of which 12 were growing and 17 non-growing based on knee height measurements. An adult control group (n = 12) was included.

Main outcome measures

Placental weight and morphometric measurements of villous, syncytiotrophoblast, fibrin and vessel areas, as well as indices of proliferation and apoptosis, were analysed in relation to maternal growth and age.

Results

Growing teenagers had a higher birthweight:placental weight ratio than non-growing teenagers (p < 0.05). Villous area, syncytial area, fibrin content, vascularisation and cell turnover did not differ between growing and non-growing teenagers. There were no differences in placental weight or morphometry between adult and teenage pregnancies. Maternal smoking, a potential confounding factor, did not exert a major influence on the placental parameters examined, except for a stimulatory effect on placental proliferation (p < 0.05) and syncytial knot formation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We were unable to detect any major differences in placental size or composition between growing and non-growing teenagers. Birthweight:placental weight ratio was higher in growing compared to non-growing teenagers. This suggests that maternal growth may affect placental function rather than development, and is consistent with our recent observations that maternal growth was not detrimental to fetal growth.     

Preparing for and managing a pregnancy after bariatric surgery

The number of bariatric surgeries performed in the United States has increased exponentially. Given that most patients are female and of reproductive age, it is important for clinicians who manage women's health issues to be aware of the surgery, its long-term goals, and the potential effect on future pregnancies. Most pregnancies after bariatric surgery have successful outcomes with decreased occurrences of gestational diabetes and hypertension and lower birth weight compared with control patients. Following nutritional guidelines and supplementation in the event of deficiencies are critical in the provision of prenatal care to this unique population. Other important issues include a multidisciplinary team management, a different approach to screening for gestational diabetes, careful evaluation of any gastrointestinal complaints, and appropriate counseling for gravidas who still remain obese during pregnancy. Further research should investigate the long-term maternal outcomes in pregnancies after bariatric surgery as well as the effect on the offspring.     

Assessment of ischemia-modified albumin level in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss during the first trimester

Objective

The finding that ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is increased in pre-eclamptic pregnancy suggests a role for IMA as a potential biomarker for abnormal placental development related to miscarriage. This study was undertaken to evaluate IMA levels in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Study design

This case-control study was performed between March 2008 and September 2009, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Meram School of Medicine. Serum IMA and albumin concentrations were assessed in 43 women with a history of two or more unexplained first trimester miscarriages (group 1), and 42 healthy pregnant women (group 2) in the first trimester. IMA, adjusted IMA and albumin concentrations were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

IMA and adjusted IMA levels were significantly higher in women with RPL (1.11 + 0.08 and 1.09 + 0.09, respectively) compared to women in group 2 (0.88 + 0.10 and 0.88 + 0.11, respectively). Albumin levels in group 1 were significantly lower compared with group 2. There was a negative correlation between IMAand albumin levels in each group.

Conclusion

Maternal IMA levels appear to be elevated in women with early RPL. This finding may suggest that an abnormally high hypoxic intrauterine environment may be associated with abnormal placental development that contributes to early miscarriage.     

The spectrum of NLRP7 mutations in French patients with recurrent hydatidiform mole

Objectives

The NLRP7 gene (19q13.42) is associated with recurrent and/or familial hydatidiform moles. Several mutations, histopathological types and reproductive outcomes have been described. We studied our recurrent hydatidiform mole cases recorded since 1999 in order to identify links between clinic, histology and genetics.

Study

We present here the gestational history and the spectrum of NLRP7 mutations in our French series.

Design

We performed a retrospective study from clinical forms received for genetic diagnosis. Cases declaration was based on a voluntary initiative coming from French practitioners, subjected to patients’ agreement.

Results

Among 12 recurrent hydatidiform moles investigated, we identified 3 cases of confirmed homozygous NLRP7 mutation and 3 cases of heterozygous NLRP7 mutation. One patient bore a novel mutation p.Leu880Ser in a homozygous state.

Conclusions

We here identified a new homozygous NLRP7 mutation. Unfortunately, no modern therapeutic option has proven effective to obtain evolutive pregnancies. Then, fundamental and clinical researches seem to be necessary. Moreover, collecting RHM cases is essential.     

基础FSH水平升高并非排除体外受精-胚胎移植治疗的指标

目的:探讨基础卵泡刺激素(bFSH)水平升高是否为排除体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)治疗的指标。方法:回顾性分析3 498个取卵周期,按年龄分3组(<35周岁、35～39周岁、≥40周岁),再以bFSH水平不同细分A组(FSH≤9.99 IU/L)、B组(FSH 10.00～14.99 IU/L)、C组(FSH 15.00～19.99 IU/L)和D组(FSH≥20.00 IU/L)4个亚组,比较获卵数、临床妊娠率等多项指标的差异。结果:年龄<35岁、35～39岁和年龄≥40岁3组中B组、C组和D组患者的基础窦状卵泡数和获卵数明显低于A组,Gn总量和周期取消率明显高于A组,而受精率和卵裂率无明显统计学意义。年龄<35岁者中,A组、B组、C组、D组的临床妊娠率分别为47.8%、40.0%、26.3%、31.6%(P<0.05),活产率分别为40.2%、31.5%、21.1%、31.6%(P<0.05);年龄35～39岁时,A组、B组、C组、D组的临床妊娠率分别为39.7%、31.1%、22.7%、23.1%(P>0.05),活产率分别是28.5%、20.4%、18.2%、15.4%(P>0.05);年龄≥40岁时,A组、B组、C组、D组的临床妊娠率分别是15.5%、5.3%、8.3%、0%(P>0.05),活产率分别是11.0%、2.6%、8.3%、0%(P>0.05)。结论:bFSH≥10 IU/L时,提示卵巢储备功能和卵巢反应性减低,需增大促排卵治疗的Gn剂量,对于<40岁的不孕妇女,其FSH10～20 IU/L亦能获得较好的临床妊娠率,但bFSH>20 IU/L,亦获得了临床妊娠,故bFSH升高并非排除IVF治疗的指标。     

巨噬细胞移动抑制因子在输卵管妊娠植入部位的表达及其临床意义

目的:通过检测巨噬细胞移动抑制因子(MIF)在输卵管妊娠的植入、非植入部位及正常分泌中期壶腹部输卵管组织中的表达,分析其在输卵管妊娠发生发展中的作用。方法:收集输卵管妊娠患侧输卵管标本30例,分别从植入及非植入部位取材,选择分泌中期正常壶腹部输卵管标本20例,采用链霉菌抗生物素蛋白-过氧化物酶连结(即SP法)免疫组织化学方法结合病理图象半定量分析检测各组标本中MIF的表达。结果:输卵管妊娠植入部位输卵管黏膜组织中MIF表达显著高于非植入部位及正常分泌中期组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.0125);非植入部位组与正常分泌期组MIF表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.0125)。结论:MIF在输卵管妊娠种植部位黏膜上皮中的表达增强,提示MIF可能在输卵管妊娠的发生发展中起重要作用。     

Buprenorphine for the treatment of perinatal opioid dependence: pharmacology and implications for antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care

Opioid dependence during pregnancy is associated with significant health risks for both the mother and her fetus. Opioid maintenance therapy with methadone (Dolophine) is the current standard of care, reduces medical and social risks associated with illicit drug use, and decreases rates of prematurity and low birth weight. However, treatment with methadone is frequently associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Buprenorphine is an alternative to methadone that preliminary data indicates is equivalent in safety and efficacy to methadone and significantly increases access to treatment. The pharmacology of buprenorphine and its implications for the care of pregnant women with opioid dependence are described.     

剖宫产术后持续发热 剑突下包块

黄亚绢(妇产科主任医师,主持人):患者系剖宫产术后持续发热8d由辖区内一专科医院转入我院危重孕产妇抢救中心。目前发热原因不清,请相关科室会诊,进行病例讨论,以明确诊断,决定下一步诊疗方案。李明(妇产科主治医师):患者因G1P0,孕35+2周,     

储存式自体输血在Rh(D)阴性血型孕妇中的应用与评价

目的探讨储存式自体输血在Rh(D)阴性孕妇中的应用。方法对温州医学院附属第一医院2009年1月至7月17例符合储存式自体输血的Rh(D)阴性孕妇在预产期前7～10d实施储存式自体输血的血液采集,采血前均严格履行知情告知制度,并让患者鉴署知情同意书,由输血科负责采血200mL置4℃贮血冰箱内保存备用。并测定孕妇采血前后血常规及胎心音等指标。结果采血前后孕妇的红细胞(RBC)、血红蛋白(Hb)、红细胞比积(Hct)、血小板(PTL)、白细胞(WBC)值及胎心音改变比较差异无统计学意义,17例产妇献自体储存血,均无发生采血不良反应,出生的新生儿Apgar评分都在8～10分。结论储存式自体输血能解决Rh(D)阴性血稀缺问题,使剖宫产或产后大出血产妇能尽快得到输血,且对孕妇及胎儿无明显不良影响,值得临床推广应用。     

Adolescent pregnancy in Upper Egypt

Objective

To determine the reasons for adolescent pregnancy in Upper Egypt and to evaluate maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

All primigravidae under 30 years of age who attended the labor/delivery ward at Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Egypt, between December 31, 2005, and December 31, 2009, were invited to participate. Participants were allocated to the study group (up to 19 years of age at first pregnancy) or the control group (20-30 years of age at first pregnancy). Maternal, obstetric, fetal, and neonatal complications were compared between the groups, and adolescent participants completed a questionnaire to identify the reasons for pregnancy.

Results

In total, 58.2% had married seeking motherhood. Rates of ectopic pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and cesarean were significantly higher among adolescents younger than 15 years of age; the risk then decreased steadily with age and became comparable to the control group after 16 years of age.

Conclusion

Adolescent pregnancy increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and cesarean among mothers up to 16 years of age. After 16 years of age, pregnancy is not associated with increased risk of obstetric or neonatal complications.