Search

Objective: To compare neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) by intended delivery mode. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies with FGR that were delivered ≥34.0 weeks gestation. Neonatal outcomes were compared according to the intended delivery mode, which the attending obstetrician determined. Of note, none of the subjects had a contraindication to labor. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated via logistic regression models to assess the potential association between intended delivery mode and neonatal morbidity defined as a composite outcome (i.e. umbilical artery pH ≤7.1, 5-min Apgar score ≤7, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, hypoglycemia, intrapartum fetal distress requiring expedited delivery, and perinatal death). A sensitivity analysis excluded intrapartum fetal distress requiring emergency cesarean delivery from the composite outcome since only patients with spontaneous labor or labor induction could meet this criterion. Potential confounders in the adjusted effects models included maternal age, body mass index, hypertensive disorders, diabetes, FGR type (i.e. early or late), and oligohydramnios. Results: Seventy-two (34%) patients had an elective cesarean delivery, 73 (34%) had spontaneous labor and were expected to deliver vaginally, and 67 (32%) underwent labor induction. The composite outcome was observed in 65.3%, 89%, and 88.1% of the groups mentioned above, respectively (p < 0.001). Among patients with spontaneous labor and those scheduled for labor induction, 63% and 47.8% required an emergency cesarean delivery for intrapartum fetal distress. Compared to elective cesarean delivery, spontaneous labor (OR 4.32 [95% CI 1.79, 10.42], p = 0.001; aOR 4.85 [95% CI 1.85, 12.66], p = 0.001), and labor induction (OR 3.92 [95% CI 1.62, 9.49] p = 0.002; aOR 5.29 [95% CI 2.01, 13.87], p = 0.001) had higher odds of adverse neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: In this cohort of FGR, delivering at ≥34 weeks of gestation, pregnancies with spontaneous labor, and those that underwent labor induction had higher odds of neonatal morbidity than elective cesarean delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of preeclampsia with severe features has increased. Previous studies have shown elevated liver enzymes are an indicator of worsening hypertensive disease of pregnancy and adverse outcomes, therefore leading to their inclusion as a diagnostic criterion for severe features of preeclampsia. Despite this, there are limited data to support an aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration ≥ two times the upper limit of normal as the critical point at which maternal harm from ongoing pregnancy exceeds neonatal harm from delivery. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between elevated liver enzymes and maternal and neonatal outcomes among patients with preeclampsia with severe features. Retrospective cohort study among hypertensive patients who delivered ≥23 weeks' gestation at Oregon Health & Science University (October 2013–September 2018). Those with preeclampsia with severe features (including chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia meeting criteria for severe features) were included after a screening of ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes and chart validation. The primary exposure was elevated liver enzymes prior to delivery, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' criteria for severe features of preeclampsia: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥2x the upper limit of normal (above threshold liver function tests [LFTs]). Primary outcomes included adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Differences were analyzed by Chi-squared, Fisher's exact, t-test, and logistic regression, with α = 0.05. Of 11,825 deliveries, 319 (2.7%) met inclusion criteria and had preeclampsia with severe features. Of these, 44 (13.8%) had above threshold LFTs. Adverse maternal outcomes were no different in those with above threshold LFTs compared to those with below threshold LFTs. The unadjusted odds of an adverse neonatal outcome were 2.08 times greater in patients with above threshold LFTs (95% CI: 1.04–4.14), and 2.43 times greater when adjusting for maternal characteristics (95% CI: 1.17–5.04) compared to those with below threshold LFTs. However, the association between above threshold LFTs and adverse neonatal outcomes became non-significant after adjustment for gestational age at delivery (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.63–3.76). Among patients with preeclampsia with severe features, above threshold LFTs are not independently associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. Adverse neonatal outcomes in patients with preeclampsia with severe features and above threshold LFTs are driven by earlier gestational age at delivery. Prospective studies are needed to guide delivery timing in patients with preeclampsia and elevated liver enzymes. The criteria for elevated liver function tests (greater than two times the upper limit of normal) are widely accepted among obstetricians to diagnose a severe feature of preeclampsia. However, these criteria are based on expert opinion and extrapolated from data on patients with HELLP syndrome. Since preterm delivery of the neonate is recommended for preeclampsia with severe features, the threshold used to define severe liver enzyme elevation has a direct impact on neonatal outcomes. Therefore, the goal of our study was to determine if patients with preeclampsia with severe features and a pre-delivery AST or ALT level ≥ two times the upper limit of normal have worse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared to those with an AST and ALT below this level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a continuum of disorders characterized by the pathologically adherent placenta to the uterine myometrium. Delivery by cesarean hysterectomy at 34–36 weeks is recommended to mitigate the risks of maternal morbidity. Iatrogenic preterm delivery, has potential neonatal implications; late preterm infants are at risk for significant respiratory morbidity. Neonatal outcomes in PAS neonates are not well described in the literature, we aimed to investigate these outcomes. A case-control study was performed with 107 cases of pathology-confirmed PAS patients with singleton, non-anomalous, viable pregnancies, compared to 76 cases of placenta previa with prior cesarean section who underwent repeat cesarean section. All patients were delivered through our institution's Placenta Accreta Program from 2005 to 2020. Rates of neonatal respiratory morbidity and related outcomes were analyzed. Maternal characteristics and antenatal complications were similar between groups, as were gestational age, steroid exposure, and emergent delivery. PAS was associated with increased use of general anesthesia (20 vs. 54%, p =.001), larger estimated blood loss (1875 vs. 6077 ml, p =.008), and longer post-operative stays (4.8 vs. 7.3 days, p =.01). PAS was also associated with neonatal increased rates of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) (41 vs. 58%, p =.02), intubation (17 vs. 37%, p =.008), and duration of respiratory support (0 vs. 2 days, p =.03). There were no differences in rates of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/positive pressure ventilation (PPV) (21 vs. 22%, p =.85), anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, or NICU length of stay. Multivariate analysis adjusting for general anesthesia demonstrated this variable confounded the impact of PAS pathology in respiratory outcomes the risk of the respiratory composite (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.57, 95% CI [0.11, 2.82]), use of HFNC (aOR 0.33, 95% CI [0.08–1.48]), and intubation (aOR 1.29, 95% CI [0.25–6.75]), were no longer significant. Based on these results, we conclude that PAS neonates have higher rates of respiratory morbidity and that general anesthesia is a significant contributor to these respiratory outcomes. This is important for the antenatal counseling of cases of PAS, especially if general anesthesia is anticipated or requested. Furthermore, it supports efforts to limit general anesthesia exposure of neonates when necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), and preterm birth (PTB) are important neonatal outcomes that may affect infant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between maternal hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and pregnancy outcomes of LBW, SGA, and PTB. This was a prospective birth cohort study using data of the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Participants were divided into five groups according to maternal Hb (g/dL) in the first and second trimesters: group 1, Hb < 9; group 2, 9 ≤ Hb < 11.0; group 3, 11.0 ≤ Hb < 13.0; group 4, 13.0 < Hb < 14.0; and group 5, 14.0 ≤ Hb. We examined the relationships between LBW, PTB, SGA, and maternal Hb in the first and second trimesters. Excluding 29,673, a total of 74,392 newborns (first trimester: n = 39,084, second trimester: n = 35,308) were included. We obtained adjusted odds ratios (aORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) using multivariate analysis; compared with group 3 in the first trimesters, women in group 1 were at increased risk of PTB (aOR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.69–6.09), LBW (aOR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.19–4.09). In the second trimester, multivariate analysis revealed that, compared with group 3 in the second trimester, women in group 1 were at increased risk of PTB (aOR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.19–4.42) and women in group 5 were at increased risk of LBW (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.24–2.81) and PTB (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.06–2.83). Elevated maternal Hb in the second trimester was associated with risks of PTB and LBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report on the association of gestational age at delivery and neonatal outcomes in prenatally diagnosed vasa previa. Methods: A retrospective cohort study at two academic/community hybrid hospitals, covered by the same maternal-fetal medicine group. Neonatal characteristics and outcomes were compared between cases of prenatally diagnosed vasa previa delivered at gestational age <36 weeks and ≥36 weeks. Results: We identified 59 cases of vasa previa, of which 2 were excluded, one due to delivery at 28 weeks for preeclampsia, and one because it was not diagnosed prenatally, leaving 57 pregnancies in our study. There were 2 sets of twins. As such, there were 59 newborns. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.08 (± 0.27) weeks for those delivered at <36 weeks, and 36.11 (±0.16) weeks for those delivered ≥36 weeks. All cases were delivered by cesarean. Delivery at ≥36 weeks was associated with greater mean birth weight (2774 g (±376.3 g)) compared with 2292.5 g (± 406.8 g) for those babies delivered at <36 weeks (p < 0.001). In addition, there were shorter hospital stays for the babies delivered at ≥36 weeks (median 3 days; interquartile range (IQR) 3,3) when compared with those delivered at <36 weeks (median 13 days; IQR 3,20). In addition, delivery at ≥36 weeks was associated with lower rates of intubation, jaundice and respiratory distress syndrome. Importantly, no cases of rupture of the membranes or vessel rupture occurred in either group. Conclusion: Our study suggests that delivery at ≥36 weeks is safe for asymptomatic patients with prenatally diagnosed vasa previa, and may be associated with improved neonatal outcomes. We suggest that stable asymptomatic patients with prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa be delivered at 36 weeks rather than at less than 36 weeks. This will reduce neonatal morbidity with no apparent increased risk to babies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Because most data on placental abruption are derived from retrospective studies, multiple sources of bias may have affected the results. Thus, we aimed to characterize risk factors and outcomes for placental abruption in a large prospective cohort of nulliparous women. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of women enrolled in the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study Monitoring-to-be (nuMom2b) study, a prospective observational cohort. Participants were recruited in their first trimester of pregnancy from 8 sites and had 4 study visits, including at delivery. Placental abruption was defined by confirmed clinical criteria. The primary analysis was restricted to abruption identified antepartum and intrapartum. As a secondary analysis, we examined antepartum and intrapartum abruptions separately. We compared risk factors (maternal demographic and clinical characteristics) and outcomes in women with and without placental abruption using univariable and multivariable analyses as appropriate. Results: 9450 women were included in the primary analysis. Abruption was identified in 0.66% (n = 62), of which 35 (56%) were antepartum and 27 (44%) intrapartum. For women with abruption, the mean gestational age at delivery was 35.6 ± 4.4 weeks and 38.8 ± 2.2 weeks for women without abruption. Gravidity was associated with abruption (OR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.6–6.0). In univariate analysis, abruption was associated with cesarean delivery (OR 3.7, 95% CI: 2.2–6.0), blood transfusion (OR 3.8, 95% CI: 1.4–10.7), PPROM (OR 9.0, 95% CI: 5.4–15.1), preterm birth (OR 8.5, 95% CI: 5.1–14.2), SGA (OR 4.0, 95% CI: 2.3–6.95), RDS (OR 5.5, 95% CI: 2.6–11.2), IVH 20.2 (OR 20.2, 95% CI: 5.9–68.8) and ROP (OR 12.2, 95% CI: 2.8–52.6). However, after adjustment for confounders including gestational age, abruption was only associated with increased odds of cesarean delivery and blood transfusion. Results were similar when restricted to antepartum and intrapartum abruptions. Conclusion: Abruption was identified in <1% of nulliparous women. However, few maternal risk factors were identified. Neonatal morbidities were associated with an abruption and were primarily driven by gestational age due to preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Maternal obesity has been linked to adverse outcomes for mothers and their offspring, including, but not limited to gestational hypertension (gHTN), gestational diabetes (GDM), pre-eclampsia, fetal macrosomia, and emergency cesarean section. Recent investigations have also shown that obesity, as defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, especially severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40), is a risk factor for both hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Objectives The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and association of maternal obesity at delivery with adverse antenatal, intrapartum, and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of consecutive delivering patients at a tertiary care center in Iowa from May to September 2020. A secondary objective is to determine if maternal obesity has any relationship to past or current COVID-19 infection status at the time of delivery. This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study to analyze obstetric outcomes among COVID-19 infected and uninfected patients. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study using demographic and clinical data obtained from the electronic medical record. Excess plasma was collected from routine blood samples obtained at delivery admission to determine the seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibody using the DiaSorin and Roche antibody assays. Frequency variables were each calculated separately, and a comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes was conducted using the generalized linear mixed modeling (GLMM) framework to account for varying distributions (normal and binary). Results 1001 women delivered during the study period and 89.7% met criteria for being overweight or obese; 17.9% met criteria for severe obesity. Women with obesity had 49.8% lower odds of possessing private insurance, and women with severe obesity were less than half as likely to plan to breastfeed at the time of discharge. Women with obesity of any kind had a significantly increased odds of GDM and gHTN, and an increased risk of an infant with macrosomia, hypoglycemia, and NICU admission. No significant association was found between BMI and COVID-19 infection or disease severity. Conclusion This study provides insight into obstetric complications facing women with obesity, especially those with severe obesity. This report serves to highlight potential challenges, such as insurance status and labor complications, that impact women of high BMI to a greater degree when compared to their normal-weight counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Evaluate the associations between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes, using a population database cohort. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis utilizing the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample database over 11 years from 2004 to 2014. A delivery cohort was created using ICD-9 codes. ICD-9 code 564.1 was used to extract the cases of IBS. Pregnant women with IBS (study group) were compared to pregnant women without IBS (control). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to adjust for statistically significant variables (p value <.05). Results There were a total of 9,096,788 deliveries during the study period. Of those, 8962 pregnant women were found to have IBS. The prevalence of IBS increased from 47.96 to 172.68 per 100,000 women during the study period. Compared to the control group, women with IBS were more likely to be Caucasian, older, have higher incomes and private insurance plans (p < .0001, in all cases). In addition, they were more likely to be obese, smokers, hypertensive, IVF pregnancies, have multiple gestations, thyroid disorders, chronic interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia and have psychiatric disorders (p < .0001 in all cases). Women with IBS were more likely to experience pregnancy-induced hypertension (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.21), preeclampsia (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09–1.38), deep venous thrombosis (aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.12–4.57), and gestational diabetes (aOR 1.1, 95% CI 1.002–1.22) compared to the non-IBS group. Congenital anomalies were encountered in 1.7% of the IBS group compared to 0.4% in the control group (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 2.13–3.09). Conclusion When controlling for confounding effects, IBS is associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia, DVT and increased risk for congenital malformation. Objective Evaluate the associations between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes, using a population database cohort. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis utilizing the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample database over 11 years from 2004 to 2014. A delivery cohort was created using ICD-9 codes. ICD-9 code 564.1 was used to extract the cases of IBS. Pregnant women with IBS (study group) were compared to pregnant women without IBS (control). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to adjust for statistically significant variables (p value <.05). Results There were a total of 9,096,788 deliveries during the study period. Of those, 8962 pregnant women were found to have IBS. The prevalence of IBS increased from 47.96 to 172.68 per 100,000 women during the study period. Compared to the control group, women with IBS were more likely to be Caucasian, older, have higher incomes and private insurance plans (p < .0001, in all cases). In addition, they were more likely to be obese, smokers, hypertensive, IVF pregnancies, have multiple gestations, thyroid disorders, chronic interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia and have psychiatric disorders (p < .0001 in all cases). Women with IBS were more likely to experience pregnancy-induced hypertension (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.21), preeclampsia (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09–1.38), deep venous thrombosis (aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.12–4.57), and gestational diabetes (aOR 1.1, 95% CI 1.002–1.22) compared to the non-IBS group. Congenital anomalies were encountered in 1.7% of the IBS group compared to 0.4% in the control group (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 2.13–3.09). Conclusion When controlling for confounding effects, IBS is associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia, DVT and increased risk for congenital malformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes of women with surgically confirmed adnexal torsion (AT) as compared to those in whom AT was ruled out. Methods: A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary medical center. All pregnant women who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy due to suspected AT between 3/2011 and 4/2020 were included. We compared maternal, delivery and neonatal outcomes of both groups. We further compared women with confirmed AT to a control group of women who did not undergo laparoscopy during pregnancy. Results: During the study period, 112 women met the inclusion criteria. AT was confirmed in 93 cases (83.0%). Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups, excluding the rate of previous AT [5.4% in the torsion vs. 26.3% in the no-torsion group, odds ratio (OR) 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04–0.62, p =.004], and nulliparity rate (57.0% in the torsion vs. 31.6% in the no-torsion group, OR 2.41, 95%CI 1.004–8.21, p = .043). Pregnancies conceived by assisted reproductive technology were more common in the AT group compared to the no-AT group (46.2% vs. 10.5%, OR 7.21, 95%CI 1.59–33.45, p =.002). Miscarriage and stillbirth rates, gestational age at delivery, delivery characteristics and neonatal outcomes were favorable and did not differ between groups. Outcomes of pregnancies with confirmed AT did not differ from a control group of women who did not undergo laparoscopy during pregnancy. Conclusion: Pregnancy outcomes among women who underwent laparoscopy for a suspected AT during pregnancy were reassuring, irrespective of the surgical findings and gestational week. Outcomes did not differ when compared to pregnant women who did not undergo laparoscopy. Synopsis: Maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes among women who underwent laparoscopy for suspected adnexal torsion during pregnancy are reassuring, irrespective of the surgical findings and gestational week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: (1) To investigate whether neonates with perinatal asphyxia and therapeutic hypothermia more often developed PPHN compared to a control group with perinatal asphyxia not treated with hypothermia; (2) To identify risk factors for severe PPHN during hypothermia and evaluate short-term outcome. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included (near-)term neonates with perinatal asphyxia admitted between 2004 and 2016. Neonates with perinatal asphyxia and hypothermia were compared to a historical control group without hypothermia. Primary outcome was PPHN, defined as severe hypoxemia requiring mechanical ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide, confirmed by echocardiography. Short-term adverse outcome was defined as mortality within one month and/or severe brain injury on MRI. Results: Incidence of PPHN was 23% (26/114) in the hypothermia group and 11% (8/70) in controls. In multivariate analysis, PPHN was 2.5 times more common among neonates with hypothermia. Neonates developing PPHN during hypothermia often had higher fraction of inspired oxygen at baseline. PPHN was not associated with a higher risk of severe brain injury. However, early mortality was higher and three infants died due to severe refractory PPHN during hypothermia. Conclusions: In this study PPHN occurred more often since the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia. This was usually reversible and did not lead to overall increased adverse outcome. However, in individual cases with PPHN deterioration occurred rapidly. In such cases the benefits of hypothermia should be weighed against the risk of a complicated, fatal course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effect of antepartum bleeding caused by PP on pregnancy outcomes. Study design: We retrospectively analyzed 493 pregnant women complicated with PP. Patients were divided into antepartum repeated bleeding and non-bleeding groups. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared. Results: The risk of antepartum hemorrhage was 2.038 times higher when gravidity was 5 (95% CI 1.104–3.760, p = .023). Pregnant women with a history of more than three intrauterine procedures had a 1.968 times higher risk of antepartum hemorrhage (95% CI 1.135–3,412, p = .016) compared to pregnant women without any intrauterine procedures. The risk of antepartum bleeding was found to be decreasing with the pregnancy advancing; When the placenta edge was noted to be over cervical os, the risk of antepartum bleeding was 4.385-fold than the low-lying plcaenta cases (95%CI2.454–8.372, p ¼ .000). In the respect of maternal outcomes, the repeated bleeding group, the risk of emergency surgery was 7.213 times higher than elective surgery (95% CI 4.402–11.817, p = .000). As for the neonatal outcomes, the risk of asphyxia was 2.970 times and the risk of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was 2.542-fold higher in repeated bleeding group compared to non-bleeding group, respectively. Conclusions: Obstetricians should be aware of the increased risk of antepartum bleeding especially for 34 weeks and placenta edge over cervical os PP patients, they have a higher risk of antepartum bleeding. These women have higher possibility of emergency C-section and need preterm newborn resuscitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the outcomes of twins and singletons in the late preterm period. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of data obtained for 165,894 births in California who delivered between 34 þ 0 and 36þ 6 weeks. The primary outcome was neonatal and infant mortality. The secondary outcomes included the following neonatal morbidities: respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), seizure, and sepsis. Univariate analysis was performed using chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results: There were 143,891 singleton and 22,003 twin gestations included in the study. There was no difference in the primary outcome, neonatal and infant mortality between twins and singletons delivered at 34 and 36 weeks. After controlling for multiple potential confounders, significant differences in secondary outcomes of neonatal morbidity were identified. At 34 weeks, twins had significantly higher rates of IVH (aOR 2.47 (95%CI 1.08–5.64)), NEC (aOR 2.46 (95%CI 1.42–4.29)), RDS (aOR 1.60 (95%CI 1.45–1.77)), and sepsis (aOR 1.19 (95%CI 1.05–1.34)) compared to singletons. By 36 weeks, only an increased risk of RDS persisted among twins. Conclusions: While there was no difference in mortality among twins and singletons in the late preterm period, twins may have significantly increased neonatal morbidity compared to singletons delivered between 34þ 0 and 36 þ 6 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory skin disease with an often-unsatisfactory response to treatment. The objective was to evaluate the association between HS and pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes. Methods The United States’ Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to conduct a retrospective cohort study among all women who delivered between 1999 and 2015. ICD-9 code 705.83 identified those with HS, with the remaining deliveries composing the comparison group. Multivariate logistic regression compared maternal and neonatal outcomes between these two groups, while adjusting for baseline maternal variables. Results The study included 13,792,544 deliveries, of which 1021 were associated with an HS diagnosis (7.4/100,000 deliveries). During the observation period, there was an upward trend in the prevalence of HS among pregnant women (<0.0001). Pregnant women with HS were more likely to be African-American, to belong to a lower income quartile, and to be insured by Medicaid. They were also more likely to smoke, to be morbidly obese, and to be hypertensive. Compared with women without HS, those with HS had a greater likelihood of developing preeclampsia (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.08–1.71), delivering by cesarean section (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.56–2.02), and having a baby with congenital anomalies (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.10–3.62). Conclusions Although HS is a complex skin disorder, pregnancies complicated by HS had comparable outcomes to non-HS pregnancies, with the exception of a greater risk of preeclampsia, cesarean sections, and congenital anomalies. Health-care providers and women should be aware of these HS associated risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes of low-risk singleton pregnancies, without underlying maternal medical conditions or genetic and fetal anomalies associated with fetal growth restriction, that were diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR) (EFW < 10th %) in the mid-second trimester (between 17 and 22 weeks and 6 days’ gestation). Methods A retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent a routine fetal anatomy ultrasound between 17 and 22 weeks and 6 days’ gestation at a community-based academic hospital was performed to identify subjects with an EFW <10th%. Pregnancies with inadequate dating, multiple gestations, preexisting maternal vascular disease (chronic hypertension and pregestational diabetes), lethal fetal anomalies, and abnormal prenatal genetic screening were excluded. Descriptive statistics were computed to describe the study population. Subjects were stratified into two groups, estimated fetal weight (EFW) <5th% and EFW 5th–9th%. The primary outcome was a small for gestational age neonate (SGA) at delivery. Secondary outcomes included a composite adverse neonatal outcome, perinatal death, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, medically indicated delivery, and mode of delivery. A comparison of the two groups, EFW <5th% and EFW 5th–9th %, was performed. Continuous variables were compared utilizing Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests and categorical variables were compared using Fisher’s exact test or Chi-squared tests, and a dichotomous composite variable for adverse neonatal outcomes was also calculated. Results In total, 3,868 unique patient records were screened. Thirty-two patient records (0.8% of the total screened records) were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome, SGA at delivery, occurred in 13/32 (41%) of the subjects. The secondary outcomes of the composite neonatal morbidity occurred in 9/32 (28%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in 10/32 (31%), and medically indicated delivery at <28 weeks gestation in 7/32 (22%) of the subjects. When comparing EFW <5th% and EFW 5th–9th%, EFW <5th% had a larger percentage of SGA newborns (66% vs. 25%, p = .02, OR = 8.0 95% CI 1.5–42.5). EFW <5th% was also significantly associated with a greater composite adverse neonatal outcome when compared to EFW 5th–9th% (54% vs. 10%, p = .015). The subgroup with an EFW <5th% also had higher rates of adverse outcomes including preeclampsia (42% vs. 10%, p = .073), abnormal umbilical artery Doppler studies (50% vs. 15%, p = .049), and medically indicated delivery <28 weeks (42% vs. 10%, p = .07). Conclusions Early onset FGR is a associated with high rates of SGA at delivery, as well as several adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes which include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, a greater composite neonatal morbidity, perinatal death, and medically indicated preterm delivery. EFW <5th% was associated with worse outcomes when compared to those with an EFW 5th%–9th%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions of people, including pregnant women and newborns and caused many deaths. Studies examining the effects of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy have mostly focused on maternal outcomes and there are limited data on neonatal outcomes. Objectives This study aims to compare the early postnatal period clinical outcomes of newborns born to pregnant women with and without COVID-19. Methods A retrospective case–control study was used to compare the clinical characteristics of newborns born to pregnant women with and without COVID-19. This study was conducted between 11 March 2020 and 11 March 2021 at Denizli State Hospital, Turkey. This study included 202 newborns selected with a nonprobability method. The clinical records and laboratory results of 202 newborns were reviewed by applying a retrospective questionnaire. Neonatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Results There were 101 newborns born to pregnant women with COVID-19 in the case group and 101 without COVID-19 in the control group in the study. A considerably higher rate of newborns born to pregnant women with COVID-19 had cesarean delivery (79.2 versus 35.6%, p < .001), premature birth (28.7 versus 10.9%, p = .001), low birth weight (15.8 versus 6.9%, p = .046), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (37.6 versus 19.8%, p = .005), oxygen need (19.8 versus 37.6, p = .005), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (10.9 versus 37.6%, p = .001). Breastfeeding (1.0 versus 67.3%, p < .001) and nutrition with breast milk rates (33.7 versus 80.2%, p < .001) of newborns born to pregnant women with COVID-19 were significantly lower. The results of 101 newborns who received nasopharyngeal swab samples for COVID-19 were negative. Conclusion Newborns born to pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely to experience preterm birth, cesarean delivery, low birth weight, neonatal RDS, oxygen demand, need for intensive care, and breastfeeding problems. There was no vertical contamination according to the nasopharyngeal swab samples of the newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives There is little known about pregnancy-related complications and comorbidity in this group of women. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to find out whether COVID-19 may cause different manifestations and outcomes in the antepartum and postpartum period or not. Material and methods We searched databases, including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of sciences, Cochrane library, Ovid, and CINHAL to retrieve all articles reporting the prevalence of maternal and neonatal complications, in addition to clinical manifestations, in pregnant women with COVID-19 that published with English language January to November 2020. Results Seventy-four studies with total 5560 pregnant women included in this systematic review. The results show that the pooled prevalence of neonatal mortality, lower birth weight, stillbirth, premature birth, and intrauterine fetal distress in women with COVID-19 was 4% (95% Cl: 1 − 9%), 21% (95% Cl: 11 − 31%), 2% (95% Cl: 1 − 6%), 28% (95% Cl: 13 − 43%), and 14% (95% Cl: 4 − 25%); respectively. Moreover, the pooled prevalence of fever, cough, diarrhea, and dyspnea were 56% (95% Cl: 32 − 81%), 29% (95% Cl: 21 − 38%), 9% (95% Cl: 2 − 16%), and 3% (95% Cl: 1 − 6%) in pregnant women with COVID-19. Two studies reported that pregnant women with severe COVID pneumonia have higher levels of d-dimer. Also, COVID pneumonia is more common in pregnant women than non-pregnant. Conclusion According to this meta-analysis, pregnant women with COVID-19 with or without pneumonia, are at a higher risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, miscarriage and cesarean delivery. Furthermore, the risk of LBW and intrauterine fetal distress seems to be increased in neonates. In addition, our evaluations are investigative of higher risk of COVID-19 in the third trimester in pregnant women comparing to the first and second trimester. It can be due to higher BMI in the third trimester causing to increase the likelihood of disease deterioration, which can trigger a cascade of side effects starting with coagulation, pneumonia, hypoxemia affecting the placenta leading to ICU admission, fetal distress, premature birth and higher rates of C-section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Pregnancy among women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has risen in frequency, which may be attributed to improvements in hemodialysis care. Our objective was to describe baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among women with ESRD on hemodialysis. Methods Using the United States’ Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we created a cohort of women with ESRD on hemodialysis who gave birth between 2005 and 2015. We determined the proportion of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes among this cohort. Then, we created a composite measure of vascular-mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women who experienced at least one of either preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, or intrauterine fetal death were categorized as having the composite measure. Then, multivariate regression models were used to estimate the associations between maternal baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and the composite measure. Results Among 8,765,973 deliveries between 2005 and 2015, 307 were to women with ESRD on hemodialysis. Over the study period, the incidence of pregnancies to women with ESRD increased from 0.47 to 5.76/100,000 births. An estimated 28% of pregnancies were complicated by preeclampsia, 8% by placental abruption, 58% delivered by cesarean, and in the postpartum, 28% required blood transfusions and 6% experienced sepsis. About 45% of babies were born preterm and 14% had IUGR. The composite measure of adverse events was not found to be associated with any baseline maternal characteristics. Conclusions The frequency of pregnant women with ESRD on hemodialysis has risen, with adverse pregnancy complications for both mother and fetus. Transfer to high-risk centers is suggested for women with ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To compare the composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes among women with diabetes who labor and deliver at 37–41 weeks at distinct time shifts. Methods This population-based retrospective cohort study using the US Vital Statistics dataset on Period Linked Birth-Infant Death Data from 2013–2017. The study population was restricted to non-anomalous singleton live births from women with pregestational or gestational diabetes, who labored and delivered at 37 0/7 to 41 6/7 weeks of gestation. The time of delivery was categorized as the first shift (7:00–15:00), the second shift (15:00–23:00), and the third shift (23:00–7:00). The primary outcome was a composite neonatal adverse outcome; the secondary outcome was a composite maternal adverse outcome. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association between the time of delivery and adverse outcomes (using adjusted relative risk [aRR] and 95% CI). Results Of 19.8 million live births during the study period, 3.3% (643,610) met the study inclusion criteria. The overall rate of composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes were 9.62 and 3.63 per 1000 live births, respectively. Multivariable adjusted regression analysis showed that, compared to newborns delivered at the first shift, the risk of composite neonatal adverse outcome was modestly but significantly higher (aRR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12–1.27) in the third shift (23:00–7:00). There was no significant difference in the risk of composite maternal adverse outcomes between time shifts. In the sensitivity analysis stratified by the day of the week (weekday vs weekend), the results were consistent with the primary analyses. Conclusion Among term pregnancies complicated by diabetes, compared with delivery at 7:00–15:00, the risk of a composite neonatal adverse outcome is marginally but significantly higher if delivery occurs at the third shift (23:00–7:00). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective It is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/platelet count ratio [AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) score] in ICP patients. Methods This study was carried out including 101 patients diagnosed with ICP (72 patients with mild ICP and 29 patients with severe ICP). Laboratory tests and neonatal outcomes of both groups were analyzed retrospectively. APRI scores were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the APRI score in determining the severity of ICP and the prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes. p < .05 was considered to be a statistically significant result. Results Patients with severe ICP had higher APRI scores than patients with mild ICP (p < .001). The cutoff value for the APRI score was 1.06, with 82% sensitivity and 72% specificity. There was also a significant positive association between APRI score and fasting bile acid level (r = 0.445, p < .001). In addition, elevated APRI scores were associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, neonatal intensive care unit admission and preterm delivery. Conclusion The APRI score may not be the perfect differentiating method for the severity of ICP but it may help the clinician working with limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cycling consists of alternating periods of reduced and normal fetal heart variability, reflecting changes in fetal behavioral states. Occurrence of active and quiet sleep cycles is considered to be a hallmark of fetal autonomic nervous system integrity, demonstrating healthy interaction between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. Cycling is an overlooked feature in most international cardiotocography (CTG) guidelines. The authors tested the hypothesis that fetuses showing no cycling in the intrapartum period have poorer outcomes. Aim To investigate whether the absence of cycling at the commencement of intrapartum fetal monitoring is associated with poorer neonatal outcomes (umbilical arterial cord pH, Apgar scores and neonatal unit admission). Methods Analysis of a database of sequentially acquired intrapartum CTG traces from a single center. Only cases of singleton pregnancies over 36 weeks gestation in cephalic presentation with recorded umbilical artery cord pH were considered. Neonatal outcomes were assessed based on umbilical cord artery pH, Apgar ≤7 at 5 min and unexpected admission to the neonatal unit. Intrapartum pyrexia, presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and mode of delivery were also recorded. Results A total of 684 cases were analyzed. Absence of cycling from the beginning of the intrapartum CTG recording was noted in 5% of cases. Cases with no cycling were more likely to have maternal pyrexia (≥37.8 °C) (p = .006) and Apgars ≤7 at 5 min (p = .04). There was an association between increasing baseline fetal heart rate and the proportion of cases with no cycling. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the mode of delivery or umbilical cord arterial pH <7.05 (p = .53). Conclusion Absence of cycling is associated with intrapartum maternal pyrexia and fetuses with the absence of cycling are more likely to have poorer perinatal outcomes measured by Apgar ≤ 7 at 5 min, despite no association with fetal acidosis. Results from this research were presented at the XXVI European Congress of Perinatal Medicine in September 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate differences in maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant patients with chronic hypertension requiring antihypertensives for adequate control versus those who do not require antihypertensives. Single-site retrospective cohort study including pregnant patients with chronic hypertension from 2015-2018. Two groups included those who required antihypertensives versus those who did not. Primary outcome is composite morbidity: pregnancy loss after 20 weeks, IUGR, maternal death, maternal stroke or TIA, pulmonary edema, renal failure, hypertensive emergency, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption or delivery before 34 weeks. Secondary outcomes included development of severe features, indication for preterm labor less than 37 weeks, incidence of severe range blood pressures, and neonatal outcomes. Student t, chi square, and Kruskal-Wallis tests where appropriate. Logistic regression used to account for potential confounders. Study cohort included 117 on antihypertensives and 114 not on antihypertensives. Use of antihypertensives was associated with the composite primary outcome (Odds ratio [OR], 3.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66–9.78). Use of antihypertensive medications was also associated with increased risk of prenatal diagnosis of IUGR, delivery prior to 34 weeks, development of severe features, severe blood pressure during pregnancy, earlier mean gestational age at delivery, lower mean birth weight, and higher risk of NICU admission. Logistic regression analysis showed that the association between medication requirement and our composite primary outcome persisted even after adjustment for age, BMI, and presence of gestational diabetes. Our findings show an association between the requirement of antihypertensive medication use a significantly higher risk of composite primary outcome, prenatal diagnosis of IUGR, delivery prior to 34 weeks, and the development of severe features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate differences in maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant patients with chronic hypertension requiring antihypertensives for adequate control versus those who do not require antihypertensives. Single-site retrospective cohort study including pregnant patients with chronic hypertension from 2015-2018. Two groups included those who required antihypertensives versus those who did not. Primary outcome is composite morbidity: pregnancy loss after 20 weeks, IUGR, maternal death, maternal stroke or TIA, pulmonary edema, renal failure, hypertensive emergency, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption or delivery before 34 weeks. Secondary outcomes included development of severe features, indication for preterm labor less than 37 weeks, incidence of severe range blood pressures, and neonatal outcomes. Student t, chi square, and Kruskal-Wallis tests where appropriate. Logistic regression used to account for potential confounders. Study cohort included 117 on antihypertensives and 114 not on antihypertensives. Use of antihypertensives was associated with the composite primary outcome (Odds ratio [OR], 3.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66–9.78). Use of antihypertensive medications was also associated with increased risk of prenatal diagnosis of IUGR, delivery prior to 34 weeks, development of severe features, severe blood pressure during pregnancy, earlier mean gestational age at delivery, lower mean birth weight, and higher risk of NICU admission. Logistic regression analysis showed that the association between medication requirement and our composite primary outcome persisted even after adjustment for age, BMI, and presence of gestational diabetes. Our findings show an association between the requirement of antihypertensive medication use a significantly higher risk of composite primary outcome, prenatal diagnosis of IUGR, delivery prior to 34 weeks, and the development of severe features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the influence of early gestational weight gain (GWG) on neonatal outcomes among women with class III obesity. Retrospective cohort of women with class III obesity who gained more than the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines (>20lbs). Women gaining ≥75% of total gestational weight prior to 28 weeks (EWG) were compared to women gaining <75% of their total weight prior to 28 weeks (SWG). The primary outcome was a neonatal composite morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included individual components of composite and LGA. Of 144 women identified, 42 (29.2%) had EWG and 102 (70.8%) had SWG. Though 11% of the total population had composite neonatal morbidity, this did not differ between groups (p =.4). LGA was nearly twice as common in the SWG group (41% vs 26%, p =.13). EWG was associated with decreased risk of LGA (AOR 0.25 95% CI 0.08, 0.78) and lower median birth weight (AOR −312 g 95% CI −534.7, −90.2). Though adverse neonatal outcomes were common in this population, timing of gestational weight gain was not correlated. Increased rates of LGA and higher median birth weight in the SWG group suggests excessive GWG continuing in the third trimester of pregnancy may be of import for neonatal size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited information related to COVID-19 in pregnancy. Evaluate the impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy. Search strategy: Searches were systematically carried out in PubMed, Scopus database and WHO database. Selection criteria: Studies with information related to the effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy, concerning maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes were included. Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted for systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. CARE and STROBE were used to evaluate the quality of data. Main Results: A total of 8 studies involving 95 pregnant women and 51 neonates were included. Overall, the quality was considered good in four studies, moderate in three and poor in one. Among pregnant women, 26% had a history of epidemiological exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms presented were fever (55%), cough (38%) and fatigue (11%). In 50 deliveries, 94% were cesarean sections and 35% were preterm births. Of the 51 neonates, 20% had low birth weight and 1 tested positive for Sars-CoV-2. There was 1 neonatal death, not related to the viral infection, and no cases of severe neonatal asphyxia. The information compiled in this systematic review may help healthcare providers administer the best possible care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess if maternal and obstetric characteristics other than gestational age at the time of rupture impact short-term neonatal outcomes. This is a retrospective observational study from a single tertiary care referral center. This study reviewed women with a singleton pregnancy complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes over a 3-year period from May of 2014 through May of 2017. Maternal characteristics and short term neonatal outcomes were collected. We identified 210 pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Eighteen of these patients had rupture of membranes prior to viability. Of the maternal characteristics at time of admission studied, gestational age at rupture and race influenced short term neonatal outcomes. Women who identified as race other than white had neonates with lower rates of intubation than neonates born to white patients. Gestational age at rupture significantly influenced the neonatal intensive care unit length of stay. Each additional week gained before rupture occurred was associated with a 17.1% decrease in length of stay. Maternal age, gravidity, parity, body mass index, single deepest pocket, and amniotic fluid index did not influence short term neonatal outcomes. Gestational age at rupture of membranes is the most predictive factor associated with short term neonatal outcomes. Race may also influence short term neonatal outcomes. Other maternal characteristics do not seem to influence short term neonatal outcomes. This information can assist with patient counseling on admission for preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and expected neonatal course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by abnormal collagen synthesis. Little is known about its effects on pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes in women with EDS.Materials and Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from the United States. The study included women who delivered between 1999 and 2014. We measured the prevalence of EDS over time, and compared the baseline, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes among women with EDS to the general obstetrical population without EDS. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted effect of EDS on maternal and neonatal outcomes.Results: The overall prevalence of EDS in pregnancy was 7 per 100,000 births, with the trend increasing over the 16 year study period (p < .0001). Women with EDS were more likely to be Caucasian, belong to a higher income quartile, and smoke. Pregnancies in women with EDS were associated with prematurity, 1.47 (1.18-1.82), cervical incompetence, 3.11 (1.99-4.85), antepartum hemorrhage, 1.71 (1.16-2.50), placenta previa, 2.26 (1.35-3.77) and maternal death, 9.04 (1.27-64.27). Pregnant women with EDS were more likely to be delivered by cesarean section, 1.55 (1.36-1.76), have longer postpartum stays (>7 days), 2.82 (2.08-3.85), and have a neonate with intra-uterine growth restriction, 1.81 (1.29-2.54).Conclusions: EDS in pregnancy is a high-risk condition with increased maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as newborn morbidity. Consideration should be given to prematurity preventative measures and high-risk pregnancy consultation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the outcomes of very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) following maternal mid-trimester prolonged preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and subsequent early pulmonary hypertension (PH).Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: A nationwide web-based registry of VLBWIs from 67 neonatal intensive care units.Patients: VLBWIs registered on the Korean Neonatal Network and born between 23 and 34 gestational weeks.Methods: VLBWIs exposed to maternal PPROM prior to 25 gestational weeks and lasting ≥7 days (PPROM25, n = 402) were matched 1:1 with infants not exposed or exposed within 24 h to PPROM (CON, n = 402), using propensity score matching. The PPROM25 group was subdivided into PPROM25 groups with or without early PH, defined as exposure to inhaled nitric oxide or other pulmonary vasodilators to treat PH within 3 days of life. Clinical variables and major outcomes were compared, and risk factors for mortality and morbidities were analyzed.Results: Of 1790 infants with maternal PPROM, the PPROM25 group comprised 402 (22.5%) infants. Survival rates were similar between the CON and PPROM25 groups (71.6% vs 74.4%); however, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) differed (47.8% and 60.2%, p < .05). Infants in the PPROM25 group with early PH had higher mortality (55.6%) and more severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (31.7%) than infants in the PPROM25 group without early PH (21.9% and 14.3%, respectively; p < .05). In multivariate analysis, lower 5 min Apgar score and the presence of oligohydramnios increased the risk of development of early PH. The presence of PPROM25 was founded to be a significant risk factor for BPD and early PH in relation to mortality and severe IVH, respectively.Conclusions: In VLBWIs, prolonged exposure to maternal mid-trimester PPROM increased the risk of BPD. Subsequent early PH immediately after birth increased mortality and severe IVH, thus, requires special attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To report the neonatal outcome after conservative-reconstructive surgery for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders. Materials and methods: Inclusion criteria were women undergoing conservative-reconstructive surgery for PAS. The outcomes explored were: 5 min Apgar score, birth weight, and need for ventilatory support (RS1 supplementary oxygen, RS2 nasal positive pressure ventilation, or RS3 mechanical ventilatory assistance). Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations for quantitative and percentage and interquartile range for quantitative variables) were sued to report the data. Results: 84% of women with PAS type 1 were delivered between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. There was only one case of small for gestational age (SGA) newborn 81% of the newborns required admission to the NICU and 11% respiratory support of those pregnancies complicated by PAS type 2, 59% were delivered between 35 and 36.6 weeks. Neonatal birth weight was consistent with gestational age at birth for all the included cases, and there was no SGA newborn in this group. 84% of the newborns required admission to the NICU, while 21% respiratory support. All women with PAS type 3 were delivered between 30 and 33 weeks of gestation. Although all newborns were admitted to NICU and 73% required ventilatory support, there was no SGA case. Pregnancies complicated by PAS type 4 completed their pregnancy between weeks 35 and 37. There was no case affected by SGA; although all newborns were admitted to NICU, none required ventilatory support. Conclusions: Conservative surgery in pregnancies complicated by PAS does not seem to increase the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Early gestational age at birth and invasion in the inferior third of the lower uterine segment is associated with an increased incidence of neonatal complications, likely due to the earlier gestational age at delivery for these pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity in the USA continues to be a prominent medical and public health concern. Due to increasing rates of maternal obesity, the current Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines recommend 11–20 pounds of total weight gain during pregnancy in women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. The impact of maternal obesity on adverse perinatal outcomes has been well documented however, there is minimal data on the effect of gestational weight gain on neonatal outcomes. In this study, we assessed the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and neonatal outcomes at term in women with class III obesity. A retrospective cohort of women delivering at a tertiary care institution between July 2013 and December 2017 with a first-trimester baseline BMI ≥40 kg/m2 was studied. Pregnancies complicated by multiple gestations, preterm delivery, fetal anomalies, intrauterine fetal demise or with missing data were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes including 5 min Apgar <7, neonatal intubation, grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), confirmed neonatal sepsis or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission. Secondary outcomes included individual components of composite and NICU admission for >7 days. Demographic, pregnancy complications & delivery characteristics of women who gained more than IOM guidelines (>20 lbs.) were compared to women who gained at or less than IOM guidelines (≤20 lbs.) using bivariate statistics. Stepwise backward regression was used to estimate the odds of outcomes as appropriate. Of 374 women included, 144 (39.5%) gained more than guidelines. Women who gained above IOM recommendations were less likely to be multiparous and use tobacco. Additional demographic, obstetric and delivery characteristics, including BMI at the entry to care, did not differ. The neonatal composite occurred in 30 (8.0%) of all neonates; corresponding to 11.1% of women who gained more than IOM recommendations and 6.1% of those who gained at or below recommendations (p =.12, OR = 1.71, 95%CI 0.74–3.96). Additionally, neonates born to women gaining more than IOM recommendations were more likely to be admitted to the NICU (10.4 vs. 4.3%, p =.03) and have a NICU length of stay >7 days (6.9 vs. 2.2%, p =.03). When adjusted for mode of delivery, delivery BMI, tobacco use, and chorioamnionitis, women who gained more were not more likely to have an adverse neonatal outcome (1.54, 95%CI 0.62–3.80), they were 3.6 times more likely to have a neonate admitted to the NICU for more than 7 days (95%CI 1.00–13.42). In women with class III obesity, excess gestational weight gain was associated with increased odds of NICU stay >7 days, with trends toward increased NICU admission risk, further emphasizing the importance of appropriate weight gain counseling in this population at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Despite the increasing trend in delayed childbirth and the known associated complications in advancing maternal age, limited information exists regarding outcomes in very advanced maternal age by delivery type. This study aims to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes in women age 40 or more undergoing cesarean delivery or trial of labor after cesarean delivery.Materials and Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the Cesarean Section Registry Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network data, which was a prospective study of women undergoing repeat cesarean delivery or trial of labor after cesarean delivery from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2002. Women age 40 years or more at the time of delivery were compared to the control group of women less than 40 years of age.Results: There were 67,389 cases identified that met inclusion criteria. 2,436 (3.6%) were age ≥40 years old, and 65,403 (97.05%) were <40 at delivery. The >40 group had a higher rate of PRBC transfusion (aRR 1.75; 95% CI 1.20-2.56), maternal ICU admission (aRR 2.02; 1.41-2.89), bowel injury (aRR 3.65; 1.43-9.31), placenta accreta (aRR 1.92; 1.09-3.38) and classical uterine incision (aRR 1.59; 1.43-9.31) compared to the control group. Maternal death rates were similar in both groups (p = .30).Conclusion: Women aged 40 or more undergoing repeat cesarean delivery or trial of labor after cesarean delivery are more likely to have maternal complications including intraoperative transfusion, maternal ICU admission, abnormal placentation and surgical complications in comparison to women under age 40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited information on neonatal outcomes in complicated pregnancies with abnormal placentation. The aim of this study was to assess the neonatal outcomes of abnormal placentation.Methods: In this case-control study, known cases of abnormal placentation between the years 2010 and 2017 were extracted. The case group consisted of pregnant women with abnormal placentation (172 cases), while controls were selected from repeated cesarean section cases with normal placentation (341 people).Results: In the case group, 145 cases (84.3%) had placenta accreta, 12 cases (7.07%) had placenta increta and five cases (8.7%) had placenta percreta. Characteristics significantly more common in the case group included lower mean gestational age and average neonatal weight (p < .001), low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) (p < .001), admission to the NICU (p < .001), higher average number of hospitalization days in the NICU (p < .05), lower average 5-minute Apgar scores (p < .001), neonatal seizure (p = .004), cranial hemorrhage (p = .037), anemia (p = .002) and thrombocytosis (p = .029). The occurrence of abnormal placentation was associated with some underlying maternal characteristics such as high maternal age (p = .34), lower maternal weight (p = .044), multiparity (p = .11), history of previous abortion (p = .036), and history of cesarean (p = .001). The prevalence of placenta previa was significantly higher in the case group (p < .001).Conclusion: The presence of placenta previa has a close relationship with abnormal placentation and is considered to be a potential risk factor for LBW, SGA, lower 5 minutes Apgar scores, first-day seizure, cranial hemorrhage, the necessity for NICU admission and occurrence of anemia and thrombocytosis in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Preterm birth is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Tocolytic drugs, such as indomethacin, are often used to postpone preterm delivery. Indomethacin has been proven to be more effective than other tocolytic agents in terms of delaying birth but is often prescribed with caution because of its potential association with adverse neonatal outcomes. We aim to study the effects of antenatal indomethacin on neonatal outcomes after controlling for potential confounders, as compared to nifedipine and/or atosiban.Methods: In this cohort study, we performed a retrospective analysis of maternal and neonatal data. Women were included if they received indomethacin, nifedipine or atosiban as a tocolytic drug for imminent preterm labor and gave birth at a gestational age (GA) between 235/7 and 320/7 weeks, between 2010 and 2015. Main outcome measures were: neonatal death, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and its treatment.Results: Four hundred seventy-four women, delivering 610 infants were investigated. The incidence of the following adverse neonatal outcomes were significantly higher after indomethacin use: neonatal death (p = .017), NEC (p = .026), SIP (p = .008), PDA (p = .000) and PDA ligation (p = .000). However, these associations showed to be nonsignificant after adjusting for confounders (adjusted odds ratio neonatal mortality 1.6 (0.7-3.8)), NEC 1.6 (0.6-4.4), SIP 2.8 (0.3-30.0), PDA 1.1 (0.6-2.2) and PDA ligation 2.2 (0.7-6.5).Conclusions: The presumed association between antenatal indomethacin exposure and several adverse neonatal outcomes may be based upon indication bias. Taking important confounding factors, such as GA at birth and neonatal birth weight into account, antenatal indomethacin exposure does not result in a higher incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes. However, there may be a higher risk for spontaneous intestinal perforation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to classify patients with placental abruption (PA) into those with a history of PA (recurrence group) and those without a history (first-occurrence group), and compare the two groups to investigate whether perinatal outcomes differ between first-time PA and recurrent PA.Materials and Methods: Subjects include 6475 patients diagnosed with PA from the Pregnancy Birth Registry System of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Patients were classified into recurrence group and first-occurrence group. Perinatal outcomes were compared between 141 patients in the recurrence group and 705 patients in the first-occurrence group with 1:5 propensity score matching, adjusting for maternal age, history of smoking, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and premature rupture of membranes as covariates.Results: There were no cases of maternal mortality in either groups, and the perinatal mortality rate did not exhibit a significant difference. Gestational age at delivery was significantly earlier in the recurrence group than in the first-occurrence group (35.3 vs 37.9 weeks, p < .001). The rate of preterm delivery at less than both 32 and 37 weeks of gestation was significantly higher in the recurrence group. The rate of UmApH < 7.1 and 5 min Apgar score < 7 were significantly higher in the recurrence group (21 vs 13%, p = .020, 20% vs 10%, p = .003, respectively).Conclusions: The results suggest that recurrent PA occurs at an earlier gestational age and follows a more severe course than the first occurrence of PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent immune reaction to gluten that is likely related to genetic factors. Some studies have linked CD to adverse maternal and/or neonatal outcomes but the data has been contradictory. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of CD on pregnancy outcomes.Materials and Methods: We used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) of the USA to conduct a population-based retrospective cohort study of women who delivered between 1999 and 2014. Pregnancies were categorized as having CD if corresponding ICD-9 code was present. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the adjusted effect on maternal and fetal outcomes.Results: There were 14,513,587 births during the study period of which 2755 were to women with CD, for an overall prevalence of 1.9 cases/10,000 births and with rates increasing over the study period. Women with CD tended to be older, Caucasian and to have pre-existing comorbidities, especially other autoimmune diseases. Women with CD were at greater risk of hyperemesis gravidarum, 4.52 (3.68-5.57), Clostridium difficile colitis, 7.56 (3.14-18.20), and venous thromboembolic events, 2.93 (2.07-4.15), as well as, hospital stays >3 d, 2.06 (1.75-2.43). Infants of women with CD were more likely to be growth restricted, 1.80 (1.46-2.21) and have congenital malformations, 3.51 (2.68-4.58).Conclusions: CD in pregnancy is associated with increased adverse maternal and newborn complications. These pregnancies should be considered high risk and may benefit from increased surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Long-term corticosteroids are administered in pregnant patients with an array of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Our objective is to determine whether long-term corticosteroid use is associated with increased maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-national Inpatient Sample from the USA. All pregnant patients on long-term corticosteroids were identified using International Classification of Disease-9 coding from 2003 to 2015. The effect of long-term corticosteroid use on maternal and neonatal outcomes was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression.Results: Out of the 10,491,798 births included in our study, 3999 were among women with long-term use of steroids, for an overall prevalence of 38 per 100,000 births. There was a steady increase in chronic steroid use from 2 to 81 per 100,000 births over the 13-year study period (p < .0001). Women on long-term steroids were more likely to have pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, 1.72 (1.30-2.29) and were at greater risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes, 1.63 (1.01-2.44), pyelonephritis, 4.81 (1.18-19.61), and venous thromboembolisms, 2.50 (1.32-4.73). Neonates born from mothers on long-term steroids were more likely to suffer from prematurity, 1.51 (1.13-2.05), and lower weight for gestational age, 2.10 (1.34-3.30).Conclusion: Long-term corticosteroids use in pregnancy is associated with maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. These patients would benefit from close follow-up throughout their pregnancy to minimize complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While adequate weight gain in twin pregnancies with normal prepregnancy BMI has been associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, it remains unclear whether adequate weight gain in patients with overweight or obese prepregnancy BMI is associated with similarly improved pregnancy outcomes, and whether this comes at the expense of maternal health risks such as increased risk for gestational diabetes or hypertension.Objective: To estimate the association between adherence to weight gain recommendations and pregnancy outcomes in overweight and obese women with twin pregnancies.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of women with overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obese prepregnancy BMI (≥30.0 kg/m2) and twin pregnancies delivered >24 weeks by a single MFM practice between 2005 and 2017. Baseline characteristics, weight gain patterns, and pregnancy outcomes were compared between women who met or exceeded, and who did not meet gestational weight gain requirements, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2009. Since total weight gain is also dependent on gestational age at delivery, we used weight gain per week to define adequate weight gain for overweight (0.85 lb/week) and obese (0.68 lb/week) women.Results: A total of 252 overweight and obese women with twin pregnancies met inclusion criteria, 171 (67.9%) of whom met or exceeded weight gain requirements and 81 (32.1%) of whom did not. There were no differences in baseline clinical and demographic characteristics between the two groups. Women with inadequate weight gain had significantly less weight gain in each trimester, as well as less total weight gain for the whole pregnancy. Women with inadequate average gestational weight gain had significantly lower birthweights of the larger twin (2440 versus 2675 g, p = .001) and the smaller twin (2212 versus 2398 g, p = .005), higher incidence of spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks (33.3 versus 21.1%, p = .03), higher incidence of premature rupture of membranes (24.7 versus 11.7%, p = .008), and greater likelihood of any twin birthweight < 10th percentile for gestational age (51.9 versus 35.5%, p = .01). There were no differences in the likelihood of cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes between the two groups. These results did not differ after excluding the 24 women in the cohort with excessive weight gain.Conclusions: For overweight and obese women with twin gestations, meeting the IOM recommendations for weight gain in pregnancy is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. CondensationWomen with overweight or obese prepregnancy BMI in twin gestations who gain the recommended amount of weight in pregnancy have improved pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate histopathological placental lesions and adverse neonatal outcomes by Pre-eclampsia (PE) with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies with PE delivered between 1 January 2012 to 1 January 2014. Pregnant women with PE were recruited, and divided into PE with GDM (PE + GDM) group (n = 278) and PE without GDM (PE - GDM) group (n = 586). We compared the placental pathology and neonatal outcomes between the two groups.Results: The (PE + GDM) group was significantly associated with high placenta weight (534.8 ± 124.1 vs 519.3 ± 132.3 g, p = .011), the large diameter of the placenta (17.8 ± 2.2 vs 16.2 ± 2.7 cm, p = .016) than (PE - GDM) group. The incidence of chorioamnionitis in (PE + GDM) group was significantly higher than (PE - GDM) group [48.9% (136/278) vs 41.5% (243/586), p = .028], whereas there were no significant differences in umbilical cord length and infarction between the two groups. The (PE + GDM) group had a higher rate of prematurity [44.9% (125/278) vs 39.9% (234/586), p = .042] than (PE - GDM) group, in (PE + GDM) group the incidence of LGA [15.1% (42/278) vs 1.0% (6/586), p = .034], RDS [18.7% (52/278) vs 9.2% (54/586), p = .011] and hyperbilirubinemia [10.7% (30/278) vs 1.0% (6/586), p = .038] were higher than (PE - GDM) group.Conclusions: GDM increased the offspring's complication in pregnancy with PE, the potential mechanism might be that GDM increased the placenta inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the association between morbidities preceding and following neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission with hypothermia.Study design: NICU admission temperatures for 1271 infants admitted to the NICU at Tufts Medical Center (TMC) between 2012 and 2015 were compared to all Vermont Oxford Network (VON) centers in 2014. We analyzed demographic data, prevalence of hypothermia, and associations with prenatal and neonatal morbidities.Result: Prevalence of hypothermia at TMC was 19% compared to 25% in the VON. We found a significant association between hypothermia and maternal race, birth weight, gestational age, antenatal steroids, chorioamnionitis, mode of delivery, and Apgar scores.Conclusion: Continued emphasis should be placed on avoiding neonatal hypothermia during the first hours of postnatal life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the practice of delayed cord clamping and associated neonatal outcomes in preterm dichorionic twin gestations.Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of women delivering dichorionic-diamniotic twin gestations between 23 and 32 weeks of gestation at a single large academic center between 2013 and 2015. Neonatal outcomes of twins receiving delayed cord clamping were compared to those who did not.Results: Of 58 eligible women delivering dichorionic twins, eight (13.8%) had both neonates receive delayed cord clamping, resulting in 16 neonates who received delayed cord clamping and 100 who did not. Neonates who received delayed cord clamping had no difference in umbilical artery pH, 5 min Apgar score, NICU length of stay, need for pressors, neonatal death, or other adverse outcomes.Conclusions: Delayed cord clamping in dichorionic twin gestations born at 32 weeks or less is feasible and in this small cohort does not appear to be associated with worse neonatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: While percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) and intrauterine transfusion (IUT) are the standards of care for the management of significant fetal anemia, the neonatal complications resultant from these procedures remain poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to compare neonatal outcomes of the patients undergoing percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) for intrauterine transfusion (IUT) to gestational age- and sex-matched controls with no indication for and not undergoing PUBS. Methods: This was a retrospective matched cohort study at a single institution from 2000 to 2017. Clinical and demographic data were abstracted from the medical record of patients undergoing PUBS. Neonatal outcomes from pregnancies undergoing PUBS for suspected fetal anemia and from randomly selected gestational age- and sex-matched controls were collected. Neonatal outcomes were compared using matched pairs analysis. Results: There were 64 patients who underwent a total of 178 PUBS with 157 IUT. The most common etiology of fetal anemia was anti-D alloimmunization. On an average, patients undergoing PUBS underwent two procedures (IQR 1,4). There were available neonatal outcomes in 40 patients. The median gestational age at delivery was 34 weeks in both neonates who underwent PUBS and controls. In matched pairs analysis, neonates who underwent PUBS were at higher risk for neonatal complications compared to control neonates (92.5 vs. 55%, OR 4.5, 95% CI 4.5, ∞). Specifically, neonates who underwent PUBS were more likely to experience respiratory complications compared to controls despite a higher uptake of antenatal corticosteroids. Conclusions: We found that neonates who underwent PUBS experience a higher occurrence of complications which does not appear to be secondary to prematurity alone. Despite higher uptake of antenatal corticosteroids in neonates who underwent PUBS as compared to control neonates, neonates who underwent PUBS had a higher risk of respiratory complications. This study can help to inform patients undergoing PUBS/IUT on the anticipated neonatal outcomes and anticipate needed neonatology resources. While PUBS/IUT is the best treatment known to date for management of fetal anemia, our study highlights the need for further research into the subsequent neonatal complications and how to prevent them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: While percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) and intrauterine transfusion (IUT) are the standards of care for the management of significant fetal anemia, the neonatal complications resultant from these procedures remain poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to compare neonatal outcomes of the patients undergoing percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) for intrauterine transfusion (IUT) to gestational age- and sex-matched controls with no indication for and not undergoing PUBS. Methods: This was a retrospective matched cohort study at a single institution from 2000 to 2017. Clinical and demographic data were abstracted from the medical record of patients undergoing PUBS. Neonatal outcomes from pregnancies undergoing PUBS for suspected fetal anemia and from randomly selected gestational age- and sex-matched controls were collected. Neonatal outcomes were compared using matched pairs analysis. Results: There were 64 patients who underwent a total of 178 PUBS with 157 IUT. The most common etiology of fetal anemia was anti-D alloimmunization. On an average, patients undergoing PUBS underwent two procedures (IQR 1,4). There were available neonatal outcomes in 40 patients. The median gestational age at delivery was 34 weeks in both neonates who underwent PUBS and controls. In matched pairs analysis, neonates who underwent PUBS were at higher risk for neonatal complications compared to control neonates (92.5 vs. 55%, OR 4.5, 95% CI 4.5, ∞). Specifically, neonates who underwent PUBS were more likely to experience respiratory complications compared to controls despite a higher uptake of antenatal corticosteroids. Conclusions: We found that neonates who underwent PUBS experience a higher occurrence of complications which does not appear to be secondary to prematurity alone. Despite higher uptake of antenatal corticosteroids in neonates who underwent PUBS as compared to control neonates, neonates who underwent PUBS had a higher risk of respiratory complications. This study can help to inform patients undergoing PUBS/IUT on the anticipated neonatal outcomes and anticipate needed neonatology resources. While PUBS/IUT is the best treatment known to date for management of fetal anemia, our study highlights the need for further research into the subsequent neonatal complications and how to prevent them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the practice of delayed cord clamping and associated neonatal outcomes in preterm dichorionic twin gestations.Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of women delivering dichorionic-diamniotic twin gestations between 23 and 32 weeks of gestation at a single large academic center between 2013 and 2015. Neonatal outcomes of twins receiving delayed cord clamping were compared to those who did not.Results: Of 58 eligible women delivering dichorionic twins, eight (13.8%) had both neonates receive delayed cord clamping, resulting in 16 neonates who received delayed cord clamping and 100 who did not. Neonates who received delayed cord clamping had no difference in umbilical artery pH, 5 min Apgar score, NICU length of stay, need for pressors, neonatal death, or other adverse outcomes.Conclusions: Delayed cord clamping in dichorionic twin gestations born at 32 weeks or less is feasible and in this small cohort does not appear to be associated with worse neonatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adherence to minimum weight gain recommendations in twin pregnancies as defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes; however, these recommendations have yet to be made for underweight women (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2).Objective: To determine if existing pregnancy weight gain recommendations in twin gestations apply to women with underweight prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), and if these women have similar pregnancy outcomes to women with normal prepregnancy BMI.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of women with underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and normal prepregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and twin pregnancies delivered > 24 weeks by a single Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) practice between 2005-2017. Weight gain patterns and pregnancy outcomes were compared between women with underweight prepregnancy BMI and normal prepregnancy BMI. The primary outcomes of the study were gestational age at delivery and intrauterine growth restriction.Results: A total of 664 women met inclusion criteria during the study period, 55 (8.3%) of whom had an underweight prepregnancy BMI, and 609 (91.7%) of whom had a normal prepregnancy BMI. There were no differences in baseline clinical and demographic characteristics between the groups, nor any differences in overall weight gain or weight gain patterns between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in birthweight of the larger twin (2415 versus 2489 g, p = .26) or the smaller twin (2150 versus 2190 g, p = .55), gestational age at delivery (35.8 versus 35.8 weeks, p = .96), incidence of preterm birth < 34 weeks (16.4 versus 16.3%, p = .98), spontaneous preterm birth < 34 weeks (9.1 versus 11.7%, p = .57), or the incidence of either twin with a birthweight < 10% for gestational age (60.0 versus 56.0%, p = .57) or < 5% for gestational age (36.4 versus 30.9%, p = .40).Conclusions: Women with underweight prepregnancy BMI who gain equal weight to women with normal prepregnancy BMI have similar pregnancy outcomes. The recommendations for adequate weight gain in women with underweight prepregnancy BMI should therefore not exceed those for women with normal prepregnancy BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is the transition period from childhood to adulthood; the World Health Organization has defined it as the ages between 10 and 19. Approximately 11% of all births in the world are by adolescent mothers. Pregnant adolescent refugees who have been forced to emigrate due to civil wars raging on in their native countries often face difficult social life conditions, have little or no access to hospitals, and experience language barriers and poor nutritional status have been found to experience poor maternal and obstetric outcomes. These include an increase in cesarean births, premature births, intrauterine growth retardation, and low-birth-weight infant rates. The purpose of the article was to share with you the comparative results of the adolescent pregnancies among the immigrants and among the local adolescents who gave birth between January 2016 and July 2017 in Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital Gynecology Clinic in Kocaeli, Turkey. Its materials and method is a comparative study planned retrospectively between 67 adolescent Syrian refugees and 188 adolescent Turkish locals who gave birth between January 2016 and July 2017. The demographic data, obstetric outcomes, hospitalization durations, and neonatal outcomes of the patients were compared between the groups. Results, no statistically significant difference was found between pregnancy numbers, normal birth rates, cesarean sections and interventional birth rates, nullipara-multipara birth rates, or premature birth rates (<37 weeks) of the pregnant Turkish adolescents and pregnant immigrant adolescents (p > .05). The number of days these patients were hospitalized was found to be lower among Syrian immigrants than among the Turkish locals and statistically significant (p = .045 and p < .05, respectively). In addition, an analysis of the birth rates of low-birth-weight infants revealed that said rates were higher among the Syrian refugees than the Turkish local and statistically borderline significant (p = .049, p < .05, respectively). Between January 2016 and July 2017, a total of 8,570 live births were performed in our clinic. In our study of the 255 patients under the age of 19 who gave live births, 188 were Turkish and 67 were Syrian refugees. The average age of Turkish mothers under 19 was found to be 17.30 ± 1.01 years and the average age of immigrant mothers was found to be 17.27 ± 0.82 years. In conclusion, adolescent pregnancies are more common among Syrian refugees. Adolescent pregnancies are at risk for obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, studies should be done to prevent these pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess if pregnancies in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a higher risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project - National Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) from the USA. All births that took place from 2004 to 2013 were identified and women were classified as having RA or not on the basis of ICD-9 coding. Unconditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the adjusted effect of RA on maternal and neonatal outcomes.Results: Of the total 8,417,607 births in our cohort, 6068 were among women with RA for an overall prevalence of 72 per 100,000 births. There was a steady increase in reported RA in pregnancy from 47 to 100 per 100,000 over the 10-year study period. Compared with women without RA, women with RA were more likely to develop pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, gestational diabetes, to present with preterm premature rupture of membranes(PPROM), to experience placental abruption and placenta previa, and to deliver by caesarean section. Postpartum, RA-complicated pregnancies were associated with wound complications and thromboembolisms. Congenital anomalies, small for gestational age and preterm birth were more common in neonates of women with RA.Conclusion: RA in pregnancy is associated with a greater likelihood of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Women with RA should be made aware of these risks and be followed as a high risk pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether intact umbilical cord milking (I-UCM) can aggravate infection or result in other undesirable complications in preterm infants with premature prolonged rupture of membranes (PPROM).Methods: Neonates vaginally delivered between 28 and 37 weeks' gestation and complicated by PPROM before birth were randomly divided into two groups according to the cord clamping procedure: I-UCM before clamping and immediate cord clamping (ICC). Various parameters of the study participants were compared between the two groups.Results: Of 102 preterm infants, 48 and 54 were randomly allocated to the I-UCM and ICC groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding hematological parameters (platelet count, white blood count, neutrophil ratio, and C-reactive protein) or neonatal outcomes (probable or certain neonatal infection, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and intraventricular hemorrhage) (p > .05). However, preterm neonates in the I-UCM group had higher serum hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (p < .05) and received fewer blood transfusions (p < .05) than those in the ICC group.Conclusion: Milking the umbilical cord to a preterm neonate with PPROM will not aggravate neonatal infection or result in other undesirable complications. This simple procedure will improve hemoglobin values and hematocrit levels and may lessen the need for transfusion during the neonatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of vacuum-assisted vaginal deliveries (VAD) among neonates of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Study design: Retrospective cohort study of women with singleton gestation ≥37 + 0 weeks of gestation who underwent VAD at a single, tertiary, medical center (2007-2014). Women with GDM and their neonates were compared to women without diabetes and their neonates. Composite neonatal outcome was defined as ≥1 of the following: shoulder dystocia, 5-min Apgar score <7, asphyxia, seizure, subgaleal, subarachnoid or subdural hemorrhage, fracture of the clavicle, humerus or skull, or Erb's palsy. Results: Overall, 251 (5.2%) women with GDM were compared with 4534 (94.8%) women without GDM. Women with GDM were older, delivered earlier, with higher rates of mild preeclampsia and induction of labor. Their neonates had higher mean birth weight percentile, and higher rates of hypoglycemia, phototherapy, fracture of the humerus (3.2 versus 1.1%, aOR 2.95, 95%CI 1.38-6.30), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (1.2 versus 0.3%, aOR 4.56, 95%CI 1.28-16.26). No difference was found with regards to the composite neonatal outcome (9.2 versus 11.1%, p = .34). Conclusions: GDM is associated with a higher risk for certain birth injuries in VAD at ≥37 + 0 weeks of gestation, yet the overall risk of adverse neonatal outcomes is comparable to women without GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the associations of electronic fetal heart rate monitoring (EFM) patterns and adverse neonatal outcomes Study design: From 2013 to 2016; 12,067 term, singleton deliveries in labor ≥2 h with abnormal EFM defined as absent accelerations, variable, late or prolonged decelerations, tachycardia, bradycardia, or minimal variability were analyzed as any documentation during labor, in first hour and last hour of labor. Outcomes were composite neonatal adverse outcomes, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, neonatal hypoxia, neonatal hypoglycemia, umbilical artery pH, and base excess. Independent associations were ascertained using regression analysis. Results: Significant independent associations occurred between any abnormal EFM during the last hour and five adverse neonatal outcomes; between abnormal EFM at any time and one adverse neonatal outcome while there was none with the first hour of labor. In the last hour, accelerations had significant negative associations with three adverse neonatal outcomes, while prolonged decelerations, late decelerations, tachycardia, and bradycardia had significant positive associations with three adverse neonatal outcomes. Throughout labor, increasing accelerations events were significantly negatively correlated with all adverse neonatal outcomes, while increasing frequency of late, variable, and prolonged decelerations were positively associated with five adverse neonatal outcomes. Hierarchical analysis showed that bradycardia/tachycardia contributed only 0.8%, while all EFM periodic changes contributed 1%; the addition of the frequencies of abnormal EFM events contributed 0.6% to the variance in umbilical artery pH and base excess. Conclusions: Terminal EFM patterns are independently associated with neonatal outcomes. Accelerations are protective of adverse neonatal outcomes. Increasing frequency of EFM patterns overtime contributes to neonatal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the associations of electronic fetal heart rate monitoring (EFM) patterns and adverse neonatal outcomes Study design: From 2013 to 2016; 12,067 term, singleton deliveries in labor ≥2 h with abnormal EFM defined as absent accelerations, variable, late or prolonged decelerations, tachycardia, bradycardia, or minimal variability were analyzed as any documentation during labor, in first hour and last hour of labor. Outcomes were composite neonatal adverse outcomes, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, neonatal hypoxia, neonatal hypoglycemia, umbilical artery pH, and base excess. Independent associations were ascertained using regression analysis. Results: Significant independent associations occurred between any abnormal EFM during the last hour and five adverse neonatal outcomes; between abnormal EFM at any time and one adverse neonatal outcome while there was none with the first hour of labor. In the last hour, accelerations had significant negative associations with three adverse neonatal outcomes, while prolonged decelerations, late decelerations, tachycardia, and bradycardia had significant positive associations with three adverse neonatal outcomes. Throughout labor, increasing accelerations events were significantly negatively correlated with all adverse neonatal outcomes, while increasing frequency of late, variable, and prolonged decelerations were positively associated with five adverse neonatal outcomes. Hierarchical analysis showed that bradycardia/tachycardia contributed only 0.8%, while all EFM periodic changes contributed 1%; the addition of the frequencies of abnormal EFM events contributed 0.6% to the variance in umbilical artery pH and base excess. Conclusions: Terminal EFM patterns are independently associated with neonatal outcomes. Accelerations are protective of adverse neonatal outcomes. Increasing frequency of EFM patterns overtime contributes to neonatal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the updated outcomes of preterm infants with acute hypoxic respiratory failure attributable to presumed pulmonary hypoplasia (PH) following maternal midtrimester prolonged preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Study design: Among preterm infants with birthweight <1500 g and 23-34 weeks gestational age in a single center, infants exposed to maternal prolonged (≥7 days) PPROM before 25 gestational weeks (PPPROM25, n = 76) were retrospectively reviewed. They were 1:1 matched with infants of matched control group (n = 76) who were unexposed to or exposed to maternal PPROM within 24 hours of delivery by year, gestational age, and weight at birth, sex, and antenatal steroid exposure. The PPPROM25 group was subdivided into infants with and without acute hypoxic respiratory failure attributable to PH (with PH, n = 20, without PH, n = 56, respectively). Clinical characteristics and major outcomes were compared. Risk factors for mortality and morbidity were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression in the PPPROM25 group. Results: The PH incidence rates were 1.3 and 26.3% and in the matched control and PPPROM25 group, respectively (p < .05). The survival rates were 92.1 and 81.6% in the matched control and PPPROM25 group (p > .05); 87.5 in the PPPROM25 group without PH and 65.0% in group with PH, respectively (p < .05). While there were no significant differences between matched control and PPROM25 group, the PPROM25 with PH group had a significantly higher rate of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and composite morbidity, including mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, high-grade intraventricular hemorrhage, and PVL than PPPROM25 without PH group. PH was a significant risk factor for mortality and composite morbidity in the PPPROM25 group. Conclusions: Despite the improved outcomes in the infants with maternal prolonged PPROM before 25 gestational weeks, presumed PH is still a significant risk factor for their mortality and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]