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ContextMore data are needed on the potential benefits and risks of gestational weight gain (GWG) less than recommended and excessive GWG in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) compared to women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during pregnancy.ObjectiveThis work aimed to evaluate association of gestational weight gain (GWG) as low, within, or above (excessive) according to Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, with pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT).MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 7 Belgian hospitals and 1843 women receiving universal GDM screening with a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Pregnancy outcomes and postpartum characteristics were the main outcome measures.ResultsWomen with GDM and low GWG (n = 97, 52.4%) had similar rates of small-for-gestational age infants and preterm delivery, were less often overweight or obese postpartum (35.7% [30] vs 56.5% [26]; P < .022) and less often had postpartum weight retention (PPWR) (48.8% [41] vs 87.9% [40]; P < .001) compared to GWG within range (n = 58, 31.3%). GDM with excessive GWG (n = 30, 16.2%) more often had neonatal hypoglycemia (30.8% (8) vs 5.9% [3], aOR 7.15; 95% CI, 1.52-33.63; P = .013) compared to GWG within range. NGT with excessive GWG (28.3% [383]) more often had instrumental delivery (15.9% [61] vs 11.9% [64], aOR 1.53; 95% CI, 1.03-2.27; P = .035) and more large-for-gestational age infants (19.3% [74] vs 10.4% [56], aOR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.13-2.47; P = .012) compared to GWG within range.ConclusionGWG below IOM guidelines occurred frequently in GDM women, without increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes and with better metabolic profile postpartum. Excessive GWG was associated with increased risk for neonatal hypoglycemia and worse metabolic profile postpartum in women with GDM, and with higher rates of LGA and instrumental delivery in NGT women.

To assess whether COSingle-centre, sham-controlled, double-blind, randomised trial.A tertiary centre in Belgium.Sixty women with moderate to severe GSM symptoms.All participants eventually received three consecutive laser and three consecutive sham applications, either first laser followed by sham, or conversely.The primary outcome was the participant-reported change in severity of the MBS at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included subjective (patient satisfaction, sexual function, urinary function) and objective (pH, Vaginal Health Index Score, in vivo microscopy) measurements assessing the short-term effect and the longevity of treatment effects at 18 months after start of the therapy. Adverse events were reported at every visit.The MBS severity score decreased from 2.86 ± 0.35 to 2.17 ± 0.93 (-23.60%; 95% CI -36.10% to -11.10%) in women treated with laser compared with 2.90 ± 0.31 to 2.52 ± 0.78 (-13.20%; 95% CI -22.70% to -3.73%) in those receiving sham applications (p = 0.13). There were no serious adverse events reported up to 18 months.In women with GSM, the treatment response 12 weeks after laser application was comparable to that of sham applications. There were no obvious differences for secondary outcomes and no serious adverse events were reported.

Aims To determine the impact of depressive symptoms on pregnancy outcomes and postpartum quality of life in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Methods 1843 women from a prospective cohort study received universal GDM screening with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression questionnaire was completed before GDM diagnosis was communicated and in GDM women in early postpartum. All participants completed the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) health survey postpartum. Results Women who developed GDM (231; 12.5%) had significantly more often depressive symptoms than NGT (1612; 87.5%) women [21.3% (48) vs 15.1% (239), odds ratio (OR) 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.08-2.16), P = 0.017]. Compared to GDM women without depressive symptoms, depressed GDM women attended less often the postpartum OGTT [68.7% (33) vs 87.6% (155), P = 0.002], remained more often depressed [37.1% (13) vs 12.4% (19), P Conclusions Women with antenatal symptoms of depression develop more often GDM. GDM women with depressive symptoms remain more often depressed postpartum with lower quality of life. NGT women with depressive symptoms have higher rates of labor inductions and lower quality of life postpartum compared to nondepressed NGT women.

AIMS: To determine the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level at which an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) could be avoided to screen for gestational diabetes (GDM) and to evaluate the characteristics of women across this FPG threshold. METHODS: A multi-centric prospective cohort study with 1843 women receiving universal screening for GDM with a 75 g OGTT. RESULTS: In the total population, GDM prevalence was 12.5% (231). A FPG

AimsTo determine the preferred method of screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods1804 women from a prospective study (NCT02036619) received a glucose challenge test (GCT) and 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24-28 weeks. Tolerance of screening tests and preference for screening strategy (two-step screening strategy with GCT compared to one-step screening strategy with OGTT) were evaluated by a self-designed questionnaire at the time of the GCT and OGTT.ResultsCompared to women who preferred one-step screening [26.2% (472)], women who preferred two-step screening [46.3% (834)] were less often from a minor ethnic background [6.0% (50) vs. 10.7% (50), p=0.003], had less often a previous history of GDM [7.3% (29) vs. 13.8% (32), p=0.008], were less often overweight or obese [respectively 23.1% (50) vs. 24.8% (116), pvs. 18.2% (85), pvs. 9.9 (7.2-14.2), pvs. 32.5% (137), p=0.031 and 8.2% (68) vs. 13.0% (61), p=0.005]. Women who preferred two-step screening had more often complaints of the OGTT compared to women who preferred one-step screening [50.4% (420) vs. 40.3% (190), pConclusionsA two-step GDM screening involving a GCT and subsequent OGTT is the preferred GDM screening strategy. Women with a more adverse metabolic profile preferred one-step screening with OGTT while women preferring two-step screening had a better metabolic profile and more discomfort of the OGTT. The preference for the GDM screening method is in line with the recommended Flemish modified two-step screening method, in which women at higher risk for GDM are recommended a one-step screening strategy with an OGTT, while women without these risk factors, are offered a two-step screening strategy with GCT.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT02036619 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02036619

Context: Thyroid hormones are indispensable for normal fetal development. Since the fetus depends to a large extent on maternal thyroid hormone supply through the placenta, this challenges maternal thyroid economy. Several molecular mechanisms are involved in placental thyroid hormone transport and metabolism. Chronic pregnancy complications, associated with utero-placental hypoxia, trigger the development of accelerated placental maturation in order to improve fetal-placental exchange to strengthen the offspring's chance of survival. This review provides an overview of normal maternal-fetal thyroid hormone supply and explores the presence of placental adaptive mechanisms in complicated pregnancies with chronical utero-placental hypoxia to improve the thyroid hormone supply to the fetus under pressure, to end with reflections about the long term health consequences.Evidence acquisition: This work is based on a comprehensive literature review of the PubMed and Embase database, including relevant articles from 1969 to June 2018.Conclusions: The placenta is actively involved in fetal thyroid hormone delivery through a combination of stimulatory and inhibitory mechanisms. Parallel with histological adaptations to improve transplacental fetal-maternal exchange, there are indications of placental adaptive mechanisms in thyroid hormone transport and metabolism in case of complicated pregnancies, from animal models and in-vitro experiments. Evidence from human in-vivo studies is limited due to heterogeneity in study populations, small study samples, and technical limitations. Further research is necessary to reveal the role of the placenta in pathological circumstances. The placenta might thus be considered as the infants' black box of pregnancy. Results will contribute to more insights in the concept of fetal programming, which lays the foundations of optimum health, growth, and neurodevelopment across the lifespan. ispartof: Journal Of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine vol:33 issue:22 pages:3857-3866 ispartof: location:England status: published

Background It is unknown whether international guidelines on gestational weight gain can be used in pregnancies after bariatric surgery. Objectives To investigate gestational weight gain, intrauterine growth, and postpartum weight retention in postbariatric women. Setting 8 Belgian hospitals. Methods Prospective data from 127 postbariatric pregnancies from September 2014 through October 2018. Patients were grouped according to achievement of 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. Results In 127 patients with a mean age of 30.2 years (standard deviation [SD], 4.7), the mean gestational weight gain was 12.5 kg (SD, 6.7). Of these patients, 24% (30 of 127) showed insufficient weight gain, 20% (26 of 127) showed adequate weight gain, and 56% (71 of 127) showed excessive weight gain. Of 127 patients, 27 (21%) had small-for-gestational-age infants. This peaked in the group with insufficient weight gain (47%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 29%–65%; P < .001). The prevalence of large-for-gestational-age infants was comparable between groups, although highest in the group with excessive weight gain (0% in those with insufficient weight gain, 4% in those with adequate weight gain, and 8% in those with excessive weight gain). Preterm births were recorded more in patients with insufficient weight gain (23%; 95% CI, 8%–38%; P = .048). The mean amounts of postpartum weight retained were 4.0 kg (SD, 7.4) at 6 weeks and 3.0 kg (SD, 9.1) at 6 months. Weight retention at 6 weeks (7.1 kg; 95% CI, 5.5–8.7; P < .001) and 6 months (8.3 kg; 95% CI, 4.5–12.2; P < .001) was highest in women gaining excessive weight. Conclusion Achievement of IOM guidelines is low in postbariatric pregnancies. Insufficient weight gain increases the risk for small-for-gestational-age babies. Excessive weight gain increases weight retention after delivery and could precipitate weight regain. After bariatric surgery, women should be encouraged to achieve IOM recommendations.

Aims To determine impact of mild fasting hyperglycemia in early pregnancy (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] 5.1-5.5 mmol/L) on pregnancy outcomes. Methods We measured FPG at 11.9 ± 1.8 weeks in 2006 women from a prospective cohort study. Women with FPG ≥5.6 mmol/L (19) received treatment and were excluded from further analyses. A total of 1838 women with FPG Results Of all participants, 78 (4.2%) had FPG 5.1 to 5.5 mmol/L in early pregnancy, of which 49 had a normal OGTT later in pregnancy (high fasting normal glucose tolerance [NGT] group). Compared with the NGT group with FPG Conclusions When provision of an OGTT is limited such as in the Covid-19 pandemic, using FPG in early pregnancy could be an easy alternative to determine who is at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

AIMS: To determine predictors of neonatal adiposity and differences in associations by fetal sex in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), normal-weight and overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) normal glucose-tolerant women (NGT). METHODS: Skinfold thickness was measured in 576 newborns, and cord blood leptin, c-peptide and lipids in 327 newborns in a multi-centric prospective cohort study. RESULTS: Compared to neonates of normal-weight NGT women (327), neonates of women with GDM (97) were more often large-for-gestational age (LGA) (16.5% vs 8.6%, p = 0.024) ,but the macrosomia rate (8.2% vs 5.8%, p = 0.388), sum of skinfolds (13.9 mm ± 2.9 vs 13.3 mm ± 2.6, p = 0.067), neonatal fat mass (1333.0 g ± 166.8 vs 1307.3 g ± 160.9, p = 0.356), and cord blood biomarkers were not significantly different. Compared to neonates of normal-weight NGT women, neonates of overweight NGT women (152) had higher rates of macrosomia (12.5% vs 5.8%, p = 0.012), LGA (17.1% vs 8.6%, p = 0.006), higher sum of skinfolds (14.3 mm ± 2.6 vs 13.2 mm ± 2.6, p 90th percentile (15.2% vs 7.1%, p

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression levels are higher in obese compared to those in normal weight pregnant women. The aims of this study are to examine anxiety and depression in pregnancy following bariatric surgery and to compare with obese pregnant controls considering the dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), folate, and vitamin B12. METHODS: Anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) were examined in the first (T1) and third (T3) pregnancy trimester in 54 women with bariatric surgery and 25 obese. T1 and T3 dietary intake of PUFA, folate, and vitamin B12 intake was assessed using a 3-day food record. Mixed models with a compound symmetry covariance structure and regression models were applied. RESULTS: About half of the women with surgery had high state and trait anxiety scores (≥ 40), which did not significantly change during pregnancy. Every 10-kg postoperative weight loss was associated with an increase in T1 state and trait anxiety with respectively 2.7 and 2.3 points. A smoking woman had a 8.6-point higher state anxiety score than a non-smoking woman in T1. In T3, every additional hour of sleep was associated with a decrease in trait anxiety score with 1.59 points. Anxiety and depression scores were not associated with and could not be explained by inadequate PUFAs, folate, and vitamin B12 intakes. Anxiety scores were higher following surgery than those in untreated obesity at both time points. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy following bariatric surgery induces high levels of anxiety that are not associated with an inadequate maternal diet. ispartof: Obesity Surgery vol:28 issue:6 pages:1629-1635 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women. Many of these women are overweight or obese. A minor weight loss of 5%-10% can significantly reduce reproductive, metabolic and psychological symptoms of PCOS and is recommended as a first step in the treatment of overweight or obese women with PCOS. Many weight loss programs have been proposed, but optimal methods on how to achieve the recommend weight loss are lacking. The aim of this systematic review was to generate practical tools for health professionals to guide women with PCOS towards a sustainable healthier lifestyle. PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct the systematic review. Eleven randomized controlled trials were found eligible for inclusion. Lifestyle modification strategies consisted of a diet, physical exercise, behavioural coaching or combined interventions. Mean weight loss ranged from +0.5 to -10.6 % of the initial body weight. However, the majority of the studies reported considerable drop-out rates varying between 12% and 47%. The heterogeneity of the described interventions and the high drop-out rates impede extrapolation of these results to daily clinical care. Hence, none of the described interventions seems superior to another in achieving substantial weight loss. In conclusion, the need for obtaining a healthier weight in overweight and obese women with PCOS is now well accepted. However, achieving this goal remains a challenge for both patients and healthcare providers. More research focusing on the multidisciplinary approach of lifestyle modification advice in daily practice is needed.

Objective In DSM-5, pain-related fear during anticipation of vaginal penetration is a diagnostic criterion of Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD). We aimed to investigate subjective and brain responses during anticipatory fear and subsequent induction of vestibular pain in women with GPPPD. Methods Women with GPPPD (n = 18) and age-matched healthy controls (HC) (n = 15) underwent fMRI scanning during vestibular pain induction at individually titrated pain threshold after a cued anticipation period. (Pain-related) fear and anxiety traits were measured with questionnaires prior to scanning, and anticipatory fear and pain intensity were rated during scanning using visual analog scales. Results Women with GPPPD reported significantly higher levels of anticipatory fear and pain intensity. During anticipation and pain induction they had stronger and more extensive brain responses in regions involved in cognitive and affective aspects of pain perception, but the group difference did not reach significance for the anticipation condition. Pain-related fear and anxiety traits as well as anticipatory fear ratings were positively associated with pain ratings in GPPPD, but not in HC. Further, in HC, a negative association was found between anticipatory fear ratings and brain responses in regions involved in cognitive and affective aspects of pain perception, but not in women with GPPPD. Conclusions Women with GPPPD are characterized by increased subjective and brain responses to vestibular pain and, to a lesser extent, its anticipation, with fear and anxiety associated with responses to pain, supporting the introduction of anticipatory fear as a criterion of GPPPD in DSM-5., Highlights • Both subjective and brain responses during anticipation and induction of vestibular pain are increased in women with GPPPD. • Between-group differences were found in brain regions involved in cognitive and affective aspects of the pain experience. • These results support the addition of pain-related fear and anxiety in the diagnostic criteria of GPPPD in DSM-5.

Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is important to improve pregnancy outcomes and to prevent type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. The 'International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups' (IADPSG) recommends a universal one-step approach with the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for screening of GDM. The IADPSG recommendation remains controversial due to the important increase in GDM prevalence and increased workload. After review of the latest evidence and based on data from the 'Belgian Diabetes in Pregnancy' study, members of the Diabetes Liga, the Flemish associations of general physicians (Domus Medica), obstetricians (VVOG), midwives (VVOB), diabetes nurse educators (BVVDV) and clinical chemists (RBSLM) have reached a new consensus on screening for GDM in Flanders. This new consensus recommends universal screening for overt diabetes when planning pregnancy or at the latest at first prenatal contact, preferably by measuring the fasting plasma glucose by using the same diagnostic criteria as in the non-pregnant state. In women with impaired fasting glycaemia, but also in normoglycemic obese women and women with a previous history of GDM, lifestyle counselling is advised with screening for GDM with a 75 g OGTT at 24 weeks. In all other women, we recommend a two-step screening strategy with a 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) at 24 weeks followed by a 75 g OGTT when the glucose level 1 hour after the GCT ≥130 mg/dl. Diagnosis of GDM is made using the IADPSG criteria for GDM. Postpartum screening for subsequent glucose abnormalities should be advocated and organized for every woman with GDM. ispartof: ACTA CLINICA BELGICA vol:75 issue:5 pages:340-347 ispartof: location:England status: published

AIM: Thyroid hormones are crucial for foetal and neonatal brain development. This paper provides an overview of the normal role of thyroid hormones in foetal brain development and the pathophysiology of transient hypothyroxinaemia of prematurity (THOP). It also discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic controversies around THOP and looks at directions for future research. METHODS: We used the PubMed and Embase databases to identify papers published in English from 1969 to June 2018. This identified 20 papers about the impact of THOP on neurodevelopment and seven randomised controlled trials about therapeutic approaches from 1981-2016. RESULTS: THOP has been researched for more than three decades. The impact of temporarily low thyroxine levels, without any increase in pituitary-secreted thyroid-stimulating hormone at a critical timeframe in an infant's brain development, is still debated. Heterogeneity in THOP definitions, difficulties with thyroid hormone assessment, identifying patients at risk and a clear lack of sufficiently powered studies add to the current controversy. There are indications that thyroid hormone substitution might be useful in extremely low gestational age neonates with THOP. CONCLUSION: Some preterm infants could benefit from THOP treatment, but more studies are needed to clarify further treatment strategies, including the optimal timing of initiation and duration. ispartof: ACTA PAEDIATRICA vol:108 issue:5 pages:792-805 ispartof: location:Norway status: published

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to determine the characteristics and pregnancy outcomes across different subtypes of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on insulin resistance. METHODS: GDM subtypes were defined in 1813 pregnant women from a multicentre prospective cohort study, stratified according to insulin resistance, based on Matsuda index below the 50th percentile of women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), during a 75 g OGTT at 24-28 weeks' gestation. GDM was diagnosed in 12.4% (n = 228) of all participants based on the 2013 WHO criteria. RESULTS: Compared with women with NGT (1113 [61.4%] of the total cohort) and insulin-sensitive women with GDM (39 [17.1%] women with GDM), women with GDM and high insulin resistance (189 [82.9%] women with GDM) had a significantly higher BMI, systolic BP, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in early pregnancy. Compared with women with NGT, insulin-sensitive women with GDM had a significantly lower BMI but similar BP, FPG and fasting lipid levels in early pregnancy. Compared with women with NGT, women with GDM and high insulin resistance had higher rates of preterm delivery (8.5% vs 4.7%, p = 0.030), labour induction (42.7% vs 28.1%, p

This study determines if a modified two-step screening strategy with a glucose challenge test (GCT) &ge, 7.2 mmol/L and clinical risk factors improves the diagnostic accuracy for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), based on 2013 WHO criteria, while limiting the number of oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). This was a prospective multicentric cohort study with 1811 participants receiving both GCT and 75 g OGTT in pregnancy. Participants and health care providers were blinded for GCT. Characteristics were analyzed across four glucose tolerance groups: abnormal (&ge, 7.2 mmol/L), GCT GDM (n = 165), normal GCT GDM (n = 63), abnormal GCT normal glucose tolerant (NGT) (n = 472), normal GCT NGT (n = 1113). Compared to normal GCT NGT women, normal GCT GDM women had increased rates of obesity (23.8% vs. 10.5%, p &lt, 0.001), ethnic minority background (19.3% vs. 8.2%, p &lt, 0.001) and a history of GDM (13.8% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.03). By combined screening of GCT &ge, 7.2 mmol/L with these risk factors, sensitivity increased to respectively, 74.1&ndash, 78.1% using one risk factor, and to 82.9% using any of these risk factors with a specificity of 57.5%. By using a modified two-step screening strategy, the number of women needing both a GCT and OGTT would be reduced to 25.5%, and 52.6% of all OGTTs could be avoided, compared to a universal one-step approach.

During pregnancy, maternal thyroid hormone supply is crucial for fetal development. Preterm infants often present with hypothyroxinemia. Preterm birth, either spontaneous or medically indicated, is always the result of a complicated pregnancy. We hypothesized that in preterm birth, the maternal transplacental thyroid hormone supply is influenced by the pregnancy complication and we questioned whether maternal and placental compensatory mechanisms are activated to increase thyroid hormone transfer.Observational case-control study in mother-infant-dyads with complicated pregnancies ending in spontaneous preterm birth (n = 31) or indicated preterm birth due to vascular complications (n = 45) and normal pregnancies (healthy term controls; n = 41). At delivery, maternal and cord blood and placenta samples were collected. Cord and maternal plasma concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total T4, fT4/FTI, total T3, and T4 binding globulin (TBG), and maternal serum concentrations of thyroid peroxidase (TPO)-antibodies were measured. Placental maturity was evaluated histologically and mRNA and/or protein levels of thyroid hormone deiodinases (DiO) 1, 2 and 3, and transporters (MCT8, MCT10, and OATP1c1) were quantified.In indicated and spontaneous preterm births, cord plasma T4 concentrations were lower than in healthy term controls (p ≤ .001), whereas T3 was only decreased in spontaneous preterm birth (p ≤ .001). Compared with spontaneous preterm births and healthy term controls, indicated preterm birth was characterized by higher maternal plasma TSH (p ≤ .05), earlier placental maturation, higher placental DiO2 gene and MCT10 protein levels and lower DiO3 gene levels (all p ≤ .01).Low T4 was observed in preterm infants irrespective of the cause of preterm birth, while maternal (TSH) and placental (DiO2, DiO3, and MCT10) compensatory responses were only activated in indicated preterm birth due to vascular complications. This may have mediated the normal fetal T3 availability in preterm infants born after indicated preterm birth but not after spontaneous preterm birth.

The International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) recommends a universal one-step screening strategy with the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (1). Since the adoption of the IADPSG recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO), the IADPSG criteria are commonly referred to as the 2013 WHO criteria (2). The IADPSG recommendation remains controversial due to the significant increase in GDM prevalence, increased workload, the need for a fasting test, and the risk for increased medicalization of care (3). Several professional associations therefore still recommend a universal two-step screening strategy, using a nonfasting 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) to determine whether an OGTT should be performed (3). The GCT is easier to perform and is generally better tolerated than an OGTT. In addition, a two-step screening strategy with a GCT could limit the number of OGTTs. The GCT has been used in combination with the 100-g OGTT or the 75-g OGTT with various diagnostic criteria, but data are lacking on the sensitivity and specificity of the GCT in conjunction with the 2013 WHO criteria for GDM. We performed a multicentric prospective cohort study, the Belgian Diabetes in Pregnancy Study (BEDIP-N), between 2014 and 2017, enrolling 2,006 women between 6 and 14 weeks of pregnancy (4). Participants without prediabetes or diabetes in early pregnancy (defined by …

Background Women with a history of bariatric surgery are recommended to avoid pregnancy at least 12 months after surgery. Evidence on the impact of bariatric surgery on contraception, menstrual cycle, and sexuality in the first year postoperative is therefore indispensable. Objectives The objective of this paper is to prospectively study changes in contraception, menstrual cycle and sexuality in women of reproductive age following bariatric surgery. Setting The study was conducted in two secondary medical centers and a tertiary academic medical center. Methods Women attending for bariatric surgery or who recently underwent bariatric surgery completed online questionnaires about contraception, menstrual cycle, and sexual behavior before surgery and 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results The study included data from 71 women, including 70 and 47 women at 6 and 12 months after bariatric surgery, respectively. Preoperatively, 43.6% (n = 31/71) used a short-acting hormonal contraceptive, the usage of which decreased significantly to, respectively, 32.8% (n = 23/70; p = .031) and 27.7% (n = 13/47; p = .022) 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Usage of long-acting contraceptive methods increased from 26.7% (n = 19/71) preoperatively to 38.6% (n = 27/70; p = .021) and 42.6% (n = 20/47; p = .004) at 6 and 12 months. Combined oral contraceptives (COC) remained used (39.4% preoperatively, 27.1 and 14.9% at 6 and 12 months postoperatively). Menstrual cycle (frequency, pattern, duration of the cycle, and the menstruation itself) and sexual behavior (intimate relationship, frequency of intercourse, and satisfaction) did not differ significantly before and after surgery. Conclusions Women undergoing bariatric surgery appear to switch their type of contraceptive from oral, short-acting hormonal contraceptives to non-oral, long-acting contraceptives. No changes in menstrual cycle and sexual behavior were shown.

Introduction Endometrial cancer (EC) can affect sexual functioning based on anatomical, physiological, psychological, and relational mechanisms. Aim The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate sexual adjustment of women with EC during a follow-up period of 2 years after surgical treatment and to compare the results with women who underwent a hysterectomy for a benign gynecological condition and healthy control women. Methods/Main Outcome Measures In this prospective controlled study, participants completed the Short Sexual Functioning Scale, Specific Sexual Problems Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory Scale, World Health Organization-5 Well-being Scale, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale to assess various aspects of sexual and psychosocial functioning before undergoing a hysterectomy and 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Results Eighty-four women with EC, 84 women with a benign gynecological condition, and 84 healthy controls completed the survey. In EC survivors, no differences were found in sexual functioning during prospective analyses. In comparison with women with a benign gynecological condition, significantly more EC patients reported entry dyspareunia 1 year after surgical treatment. Moreover, compared with healthy women, pre- and postoperatively, significantly more EC patients reported sexual dysfunctions, including sexual desire dysfunction, arousal dysfunction, entry dyspareunia, and a reduced intensity of orgasm. Furthermore, compared with healthy controls, EC patients reported significantly lower overall well-being 1 year after surgical treatment. Nevertheless, consensus in the partner relationship was significantly higher in EC patients compared with healthy controls. Moreover, before treatment, quality of partner relationship was negatively associated with sexual arousal dysfunction and orgasm dysfunction. Conclusions In EC patients, no differences were found in sexual functioning when prospectively comparing the situation before surgery with the situation after surgery. However, when compared with healthy controls, EC patients are at high risk for sexual dysfunctions, both before and after surgical treatment.

Background: The breast-milk composition in the first 6 wk postpartum of women who have undergone bariatric surgery (BS) is unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine 1) the breast-milk macronutrient and vitamin A composition in women who had and who had not undergone BS and 2) the impact of maternal diet on the breast-milk composition. We hypothesized that the milk of women who had undergone BS would be less energy dense and have a lower vitamin A concentration than that of other women. Methods: A multicenter prospective substudy was conducted at 2 university hospitals. Breast-milk samples were collected from 24 normal-weight [NW; mean ± SD body mass index (BMI; kg/m2): 21.5 ± 1.7; mean ± SD age: 29 ± 6 y], 39 overweight (OW; BMI: 26.9 ± 1.5; aged 29 ± 5 y), and 12 obese women (BMI: 35.0 ± 5.7; aged 29 ± 5 y) as well as from 11 women who had undergone BS (BMI: 28.0 ± 4.4; aged 30 ± 4 y) from day 3 until week 6 of lactation. Milk energy and macronutrients (Human Milk Analyzer; Miris) and vitamin A concentrations (iCheck Fluoro; BioAnalyt) were determined at the end of each week. Maternal diet (food-frequency questionnaire) and physical activity (Kaiser Physical Activity Survey) were measured during the third trimester of pregnancy and on day 3 or 4 and during week 6 of lactation. Statistical analyses include 1-factor ANOVA, Spearman and Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression. Results: In all women, a weekly increase in milk energy, total fat, and total carbohydrates was seen, whereas a weekly decrease in proteins and vitamin A was found during the first 2 wk of lactation, followed by a stable concentration of all nutrients. At week 4, milk protein concentrations were higher in women who had undergone BS (14 g/L) compared with NW (8 g/L; P = 0.005) and OW (9 g/L; P = 0.019) women. At week 5, milk carbohydrate concentrations were higher in women who had undergone BS (74 g/L) compared with NW women (68 g/L; P = 0.042). Conclusions: Breast milk of women who have undergone BS appears to be adequate in energy, macronutrients, and vitamin A during the first 6 wk of lactation. This supports the conclusion that breast feeding should not be discouraged in this group of women. This trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02515214. ispartof: The Journal of Nutrition vol:148 issue:7 pages:1096-1102 ispartof: location:United States status: Published online

Introduction. Although research that takes into account partner and relationship factors in dyspareunia is slowly emerging, little is known about how these couples communicate about their sexuality. Additionally, partner psycho- sexual adjustment has not been examined in a controlled fashion. Aim. This study aimed to compare dyadic sexual communication, dyadic adjustment, psychological adjustment, and sexual well-being of women with self-reported dyspareunia and their partners with those of pain-free control women and their partners. Methods. Premenopausal women (n = 38; mean (M) age = 24.92) with self-reported dyspareunia, their partners (n = 38; M age = 26.71), as well as pain-free control women (n = 44; M age = 25.86) and their partners (n = 44; M age = 27.95) completed an online survey measuring dyadic sexual communication, dyadic adjustment, anxiety, depression, sexual functioning, and sexual distress. Main Outcome Measures. Assessments of women and men's (i) dyadic sexual communication; (ii) dyadic adjustment; (iii) anxiety; (iv) depression; (v) sexual functioning; and (vi) women's sexual distress were the main outcome measures. Results. Compared with pain-free controls, women with dyspareunia reported significantly poorer dyadic sexual communication, a difference not found between partners of women with dyspareunia and control partners. Com- pared with partners of control women, those of women with dyspareunia reported significantly more impaired sexual functioning. No differences in dyadic adjustment were found between women with dyspareunia and pain-free control women, or between their respective partners. Finally, compared with control women, those with dyspareunia reported significantly more impaired psychological and sexual well-being. Conclusions. Findings suggest that dyspareunia impacts not only the psychosexual adjustment of affected women but also that of their partners. It seems relevant to include both members of the couple in future research and treatment for dyspareunia. Pazmany E, Bergeron S, Verhaeghe J, Van Oudenhove L, and Enzlin P. Sexual communi- cation, dyadic adjustment, and psychosexual well-being in premenopausal women with self-reported dys- pareunia and their partners: A controlled study. J Sex Med 2014;11:1786-1797.

Fetal/neonatal hyperthyroidism is a well-known complication of maternal Graves' disease with high concentrations of TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb). Few data are available on the management of fetal hyperthyroidism in surgically treated Graves' disease.Clinical, ultrasound and biochemical data are reported in a fetus/neonate whose mother underwent a thyroidectomy10 years before and whose sibling was thin and hyperthyroid at birth.Maternal TRAb were persistently40 U/l; unequivocal signs of fetal hyperthyroidism were identified at 29 weeks gestational age (GA). The fetus was treated through maternal antithyroid drug (ATD) administration; the dose was reduced gradually once fetal tachycardia and valve dysfunction disappeared and normal T4 was confirmed by fetal blood sampling. Maternal euthyroidism was maintained. The neonate showed normal growth for GA and T4 concentration at birth but severe hyperthyroidism relapsed from day 13 until day 58. TSH remained strongly suppressed throughout the pre- and postnatal course.Prenatal ATD in a taper-off regime allowed normal T4 and growth in a hyperthyroid fetus from a thyroidectomised Graves' mother. Fetal TSH cannot be used to adjust the ATD dose. Prenatal ATD appears to postpone the onset but does not affect the severity or duration of the neonatal hyperthyroid flare.

ObjectiveVulvectomy for vulvar malignancy can affect sexual functioning based on anatomic, physiologic, psychologic, and relational mechanisms. The aims of this study were to prospectively investigate sexual adjustment of women with vulvar malignancy during a follow-up period of 1 year after vulvectomy and to compare the results with healthy control women.MethodsIn this prospective controlled study, participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory scale, World Health Organization-5 Well-being scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Short Sexual Functioning Scale, and Specific Sexual Problems Questionnaire to assess various aspects of psychosocial and sexual functioning just before surgery, 6 months, and 1 year after treatment.ResultsTwenty-nine women with vulvar malignancy and 29 healthy controls completed the survey. Compared with the presurgery status, no significant differences were found in psychologic, relational, and sexual functioning in women after surgery for vulvar malignancy. Compared with healthy control women, women with vulvar malignancy reported significantly lower psychologic well-being and quality of partner relationship, both before and after treatment. Moreover, significantly more patients with vulvar malignancy reported preoperative and postoperatively sexual dysfunctions than healthy controls, including entry and deep dyspareunia, abdominal pain during intercourse, reduced ability to achieve orgasm, and reduced intensity of orgasm.ConclusionsThis prospective study yielded no differences in psychosocial and sexual functioning for women with vulvar malignancy before and after vulvectomy. However, when compared with healthy controls, patients with vulvar malignancy are at high risk for sexual dysfunctions, both before and after surgical treatment.

Liver disease can complicate 5% of pregnancies, putting mother and child at risk for increased morbidity and mortality. Cholestasis, portal hypertension, and liver failure represent three major clinical entities that should be recognized early because of the prognostic implications. Liver disease in pregnancy is generally separated into disorders that are unique to pregnancy and those that coincide with pregnancy. This chapter recommends a systematic approach that focuses on the major differential diagnostic characteristics of pregnancy-related liver diseases and a limited set of tests for pregnancy-unrelated liver diseases. Management of these conditions should be performed by a multidisciplinary team and ranges from simple medical therapies to immediate termination of the pregnancy.

On page 3335 of the article cited above, funding information was added for author Frances M. Ashcroft. …

Objective Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) frequently induce or enhance musculoskeletal problems, also known as the AI-induced musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS). Underlying mechanisms are unknown, likely multiple and induced by low estrogen levels. We hypothesized a role for the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis (Lintermans et al, Ann of Oncol 2011). Recently, Gallicchio et al. (J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2013) confirmed our hypothesis. Here we report the effect of tamoxifen and AIs on AIMSS, IGF-I, its binding protein and estrogen levels from a prospective study. Material & Methods In this prospective cohort study postmenopausal women with an early breast cancer scheduled to start adjuvant endocrine therapy with any of the third generation AIs or tamoxifen were included. After providing informed consent, a rheumatologic questionnaire was completed and serum was collected. AI-induced musculoskeletal pain was defined as an increase in joint or muscle pain relative to baseline; AIMSS presence was defined as the presence of ≥ 3 out of five features (arthralgia, myalgia, joint stiffness, tingling, carpal tunnel syndrome). IGF-I levels were determined in batch with an inhouse radio-immunoassay; levels of IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) with a commercial EASIA from DiaSource. A sensitive liquid chromatography dual mass spectrometry was used for assessment of estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) values, with a limit of quantification of 1.3 and 1.2 ng/l, respectively. SHBG levels were determined with the Roche Modular E170 analyzer. Re-evaluation was done after 3, 6 and 12 months of therapy. Results 84 patients started on tamoxifen (n = 42) or an AI (n = 42; anastrozole n = 6, letrozole n = 36). In the AI group, 4 patients discontinued due to AIMSS. In the tamoxifen group, 1 patient developed a deep vein thrombolic event and discontinued tamoxifen therapy. In all BMI categories, AI and not tamoxifen decreased E1 and E2 levels below limit of quantification from month 3 onwards. SHBG values dropped on AI while they increased on tamoxifen. AI therapy resulted in elevated IGF-I and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio levels, whereas tamoxifen users had a decrease. AI-induced musculoskeletal symptoms were characterized by a higher increase from baseline in IGF-I levels and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio than AI users without any complaints. Patients experiencing AIMSS showed a significant decrease in IGFBP-3 levels (p = 0.0007) and an increase in IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio (p = 0.07) compared to patients without AIMSS. This divergence was most pronounced at 3 months following AI start. Conclusion These findings provide preliminary evidence that AI-induced musculoskeletal symptoms are associated with changes in the GH/IGF-I axis. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-13-08.

Background Aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy is associated with musculoskeletal toxicity, which adversely affects quality of life and therapy adherence. Our objective was to evaluate genetic predictors for endocrine therapy-related musculoskeletal pain in a prospective cohort study, which was previously published. Patients & methods 254 early breast cancer patients starting AI (n=159) or tamoxifen therapy (n=95) were included in this genetic biomarker study. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months thereafter. AI-induced musculoskeletal pain was defined as an increase in arthralgia or myalgia relative to baseline. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in candidate genes involved in estrogen signaling or reported to have associations with AI-related musculoskeletal pain or estrogen levels were selected. Of the 40 selected SNPs, 7 failed genotyping and were excluded from further analysis. Results Twenty SNPs exhibited a minor allele frequency 74% of AI-users reported new or worsened musculoskeletal pain compared to 33% of tamoxifen-treated patients. The OPG SNP rs2073618 was significantly associated with AI-induced musculoskeletal toxicity after correction for multiple testing (p=0.039). None of the other SNPs showed significant associations, both in AI and tamoxifen-treated patients. Conclusion The SNP rs2073618 in OPG predicts the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms with AI therapy, which has not been reported so far. Validation of this finding and further functional studies are needed. Citation Format: Anneleen Lintermans, Kathleen Van Asten, Annouschka Laenen, Thomas Van Brussel, Johan Verhaeghe, Dirk Vanderschueren, Diether Lambrechts, Patrick Neven. Genetic variant in the OPG gene is associated with aromatase inhibitor-related musculoskeletal toxicity in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-03-05.