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Objective. To compare redox imbalance and inflammation biomarkers in umbilical cords from pregnancies with and without preeclampsia (PE) and to analyse their relationships with perinatal outcomes. Methods. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, that involved pregnant women with PE and a group of women without the disease, through the application of a standardized questionnaire. After delivery, umbilical cord samples were collected to measure antioxidant defense, products from oxidative damage, and inflammation biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 13.0 software and IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0, adopting a 95% confidence level ( α = 0.05 ), with the chi-square test, the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test, and the multinomial and Poisson regression tests. Results. One hundred PE pregnant women and 50 women without the disease were studied. The umbilical cords from PE pregnancies showed higher levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) ( p ≤ 0.001 ), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) ( p = 0.016 ), and malondialdehyde (MDA) ( p = 0.028 ) and lower levels of IL-6 ( p = 0.030 ) and TNF-α ( p ≤ 0.001 ) than the other group, with some associations among these biomarkers with perinatal outcomes. Conclusion. The higher levels of GSH and GPx, in addition to the lower levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, found in the PE umbilical cord, may result from adaptive mechanisms to maintain the oxidative and inflammatory balance; however, despite these changes, the damage to the cell membranes was not minimized, as the MDA level was higher in women with PE than in women without the disease. This implies that a redox imbalance is present, confirming that other physiological and adaptive mechanisms are being activated to preserve foetal health. Therefore, the present work unveils an important role of the umbilical cord in controlling redox imbalance and inflammation in PE pregnancies. Our results reinforce the necessity for continuous research on GSH as a protective compound for the perinatal outcome, especially in PE women.

The occurrence of hypertensive syndromes during pregnancy leads to high rates of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Amongst them, preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most common. This review aims to describe the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation in PE, aiming to reinforce its importance in the context of the disease and to discuss perspectives on clinical and nutritional treatment, in this line of research. Despite the still incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of PE, it is well accepted that there are placental changes in pregnancy, associated with an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defence system, characterizing the placental oxidative stress that leads to an increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Hence, a generalized inflammatory process occurs, besides the presence of progressive vascular endothelial damage, leading to the dysfunction of the placenta. There is no consensus in the literature on the best strategies for prevention and treatment of the disease, especially for the control of oxidative stress and inflammation. In view of the above, it is evident the important connection between oxidative stress and inflammatory process in the pathogenesis of PE, being that this disease is capable of causing serious implications on both maternal and fetal health. Reports on the use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds are analysed and still considered controversial. As such, the field is open for new basic and clinical research, aiming the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to prevent and to treat PE.

Objective To evaluate the intake of antioxidant nutrients by pregnant women being cared for in the Brazilian public health system and associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with pregnant women cared for in the public health system in the city of Maceió, Brazil, in 2014, including 385 pregnant women and their newborns, and the collection of maternal information (socioeconomic, personal, prenatal, dietary and anthropometric data), and after the babies’ birth (gestational age, birth weight and length). Food intake was assessed by two 24-hour dietary reminders per pregnant woman with subsequent adjustments by the Estimated Average Requirement method. Data were processed and Pearson’s correlation was used to evaluate associations, considering p

PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors associated with anemia among pregnant women receiving public health care in a capital city in Northeastern Brazil.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 428 patients obtained on the basis of the estimated prevalence of anemia during pregnancy (50%), a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), an error of 5% and a sample loss of 20%. Pregnant women who lived in the city and were served by the municipal public health network were considered to be eligible for the study. Socioeconomic, lifestyle, clinical and anthropometric data and dietary iron intake were obtained, and capillary hemoglobin was determined. Anemia was identified as a hemoglobin level

Background: Preeclampsia has been associated with several risk factors and events. However, it still deserves further investigation, considering the multitude of related factors that affect different populations. Objective: To evaluate the maternal factors and adverse perinatal outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women with preeclampsia receiving care in the public health network of the city of Maceió. Methods: Prospective cohort study carried out in 2014 in the public health network of the city with a sample of pregnant women calculated based on a prevalence of preeclampsia of 17%, confidence level of 90%, power of 80%, and ratio of 1:1. We applied a questionnaire to collect socioeconomic, personal, and anthropometric data, and retrieved perinatal variables from medical records and certificates of live birth. The analysis was performed with Poisson regression and chi-square test considering p values < 0.05 as significant. Results: We evaluated 90 pregnant women with preeclampsia (PWP) and 90 pregnant women without preeclampsia (PWoP). A previous history of preeclampsia (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.47 - 1.67, p = 0.000) and black skin color (PR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.00 - 1.33, p = 0.040) were associated with the occurrence of preeclampsia. Among the newborns of PWP and PWoP, respectively, 12.5% and 13.1% (p = 0.907) were small for gestational age and 25.0% and 23.2% (p = 0.994) were large for gestational age. There was a predominance of cesarean delivery. Conclusion: Personal history of preeclampsia and black skin color were associated with the occurrence of preeclampsia. There was a high frequency of birth weight deviations and cesarean deliveries. Resumo Fundamento: A pré-eclâmpsia tem sido associada a vários fatores de risco e eventos. No entanto, esta doença é merecedora de mais investigações, tendo em vista a multiplicidade de fatores relacionados que acometem diferentes populações. Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores maternos e os resultados perinatais adversos em uma coorte de gestantes com pré-eclâmpsia da rede pública de saúde de Maceió. Métodos: Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado em 2014 na rede pública de saúde do município com uma amostra de gestantes calculada com base na prevalência de pré-eclâmpsia de 17%, nível de confiança de 90%, poder de 80% e razão de 1:1. Foi aplicado um questionário para coleta de dados socioeconômicos, pessoais e antropométricos, e obtidas variáveis perinatais de prontuário e da declaração de nascido vivo. Análise realizada com regressão de Poisson e teste do qui-quadrado, considerando p < 0,05 como significativo. Resultados: Foram estudadas 90 gestantes com pré-eclâmpsia (GCP) e 90 gestantes sem pré-eclâmpsia (GSP). História prévia de pré-eclâmpsia (razão de prevalência [RP] = 1,57, intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%] 1,47-1,67, p = 0,000) e cor da pele negra (RP = 1,15, IC 95% 1,00-1,33, p = 0,040) estiveram associadas à ocorrência de pré-eclâmpsia. Entre os recém-nascidos das GCP e GSP, 12,5% e 13,1%, respectivamente, eram pequenos para a idade gestacional (p = 0,907) e 25,0% e 23,2%, respectivamente, eram grandes para a idade gestacional (p = 0,994). Houve predomínio da via de parto cesariana. Conclusão: História pessoal de pré-eclâmpsia e cor da pele negra estiveram associadas à ocorrência de pré-eclâmpsia. Houve elevadas frequências de desvios de peso ao nascer e da via de parto cesariana.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados aos desfechos 'síndrome hipertensiva da gravidez (SHG)' e 'diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG)' em uma maternidade pública de Maceió-AL, Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal, realizado no ano de 2013, no hospital universitário do município, mediante aplicação de formulário padronizado, avaliação antropométrica e consulta a pareceres médicos; foram calculadas razões de prevalência (RP) brutas e ajustadas e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%), por regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: as prevalências de SHG e DHG foram, respectivamente, de 18,4% e 6,5%; o ganho ponderal excessivo mostrou-se um fator independente associado à prevalência de SHG (RP 2,91; IC95% 1,58;5,35); idade ≥35 anos (RP 4,33; IC95% 1,61;11,69) e sobrepeso (RP 2,97; IC95% 1,05;8,37) associaram-se ao DMG. CONCLUSÃO: a assistência pré-natal deve se organizar para prevenir alguns desses fatores, visando à redução da ocorrência de SHG e DMG.

Resumo O estado clínico e o nutricional da gestante representam importantes variáveis para o risco de inadequações de peso ao nascer. Assim, o presente estudo visou avaliar o estado nutricional de gestantes de alto risco e sua associação com o peso ao nascer de seus conceptos. Estudo transversal com gestantes de alto risco assistidas no Hospital Universitário de Maceió-AL e seus recém-nascidos. O estado nutricional das gestantes e de seus conceptos foi avaliado segundo o Índice de Massa Corporal para a idade gestacional e o peso ao nascer, respectivamente. A associação entre fatores maternos (comorbidades e estado nutricional) e o peso ao nascer foram realizadas pelos testes de qui-quadrado e correlação de Pearson, adotando um nível de confiança de 95% (α = 0,05). Foram estudadas 149 gestantes, com 19,7% delas com baixo peso; 32,0% eutróficas e 48,3% com excesso de peso. Entre os recém-nascidos, 39,6% eram pequenos para idade gestacional (PIG); 26,8% adequados para a idade gestacional (AIG) e 33,6% grandes para a idade gestacional (GIG). O excesso de peso gestacional e a presença de comorbidades metabólicas se associaram com o nascimento de recém-nascidos GIG e o ganho ponderal gestacional insuficiente com o nascimento de recém-nascidos PIG, sendo fundamentais intervenções para redução desses desfechos. Abstract The clinical and nutritional status of pregnant women are important variables for birth-weight risk inadequacies. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the nutritional status of high-risk pregnant women and its association with birth weight of their offspring. It involved a cross-sectional study with high-risk pregnant women assisted at the university hospital of Maceio in the State of Alagoas and their newborns. The nutritional status of pregnant women and their offspring was evaluated according to body mass index for gestational age and birth weight, respectively. The association between maternal factors (comorbidities and nutritional status) and birth weight was assessed by the chi-square test and Pearson correlation, by adopting a confidence level of 95%. One hundred and forty-nine pregnant women were studied, 19.7% of whom were of normal weight; 32% were underweight; and 48.3% were overweight. Among newborns, 39.6% referred to as small for gestational age (SGA); 26.8% appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and 33.6% large for gestational age (LGA). LGA offspring were associated with overweight and the presence of metabolic comorbidities and SGA offspring were associated with insufficient gestational weight gain, whereby interventions are needed to reduce these outcomes.

Objectives: to compare the assessment of the adequacy of birth weight for gestational age according to different intrauterine growth curves. Methods: across-sectional study, which analyzed gestational and neonatal information from 344 mother-newborn binomials. Birth weight data were analyzed using the International Fetal and New Born Growth Consortium for the 21st Century (INTERGROWTH-21st) and compared with the growth curves proposed by Alexander et al. and Fenton & Kim. Newborns were classified as small for gestational age (SGA), suitablefor gestational age (SUGA) or large for gestational age (LGA). Results: among the newborns, 51.2% were male, and 93.0% were born at term. Higher prevalence of SUGA and LGA and lower SGA was found by the INTERGROWTH-21st curves when compared to the references of Fenton & Kim and Alexander et al. Moderate agreement was observed in detecting birth weight by different growth curves. Conclusions: there was a lower detection of SGA infants and a higher screening, especially of LGA infants, in the INTERGROWTH-21st evaluation, when compared to the growth curves of Fenton & Kim and Alexander et al. Resumo Objetivos: comparar a avaliação da adequação do peso ao nascer para idade gestacional segundo diferentes curvas de crescimento intrauterino. Métodos: estudo transversal, onde foram analisadas informações gestacionais e neonatais de 344 binômios mães-recém-nascidos. Os dados de peso ao nascer foram analisados utilizando-se a International Fetal and New Born Growth Consortium for the 21st Century (INTERGROWTH-21st) e comparados com as curvas de crescimento propostas por Alexander et al. e Fenton & Kim. Os recém-nascidos foram classificados em pequenos para idade gestacional (PIG), adequados para idade gestacional (AIG) ou grandes para idade gestacional (GIG). Resultados: dentre os recém-nascidos, 51,2% eram do sexo masculino, sendo que 93,0% nasceram a termo. Maior prevalência de AIG e GIG e menor de PIG foi constatada pelas curvas INTERGROWTH-21st, quando comparadas às referências de Fenton & Kim e Alexander et al. Foi observada concordância moderada na detecção do peso ao nascer pelas diferentes curvas de crescimento. Conclusões: verificou-se menor detecção de recém-nascidos PIG e maior rastreio, principalmente, de recém-nascidos GIG na avaliação pela INTERGROWTH-21st, quando comparada às curvas de crescimento de Fenton & Kim e Alexander et al.