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Cureus Aug 2023Deciduosis is an ectopic transformation of connective tissue into decidual-like cells. This is the first systematic review describing the clinical course, associated... (Review)
Review
Cervical and Vaginal Deciduosis: Insights on Management and a Systematic Review of Observational Studies on Pregnancy Complications and Management Outcomes (Including Vaginal Birth).
INTRODUCTION
Deciduosis is an ectopic transformation of connective tissue into decidual-like cells. This is the first systematic review describing the clinical course, associated pregnancy complications, and management outcomes of cervical and vaginal deciduosis.
METHODS
Our search covered worldwide observational studies published in English in five databases (PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Europe PMC, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) from inception to February 24, 2023. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and critically appraised studies using CAse REport (CARE) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Then, we extracted patient characteristics, clinical features, management-related information, and outcomes.
RESULTS
The selection process identified 15 studies describing 30 pregnancies. Macroscopic cervical and vaginal deciduosis presented as recurrent vaginal bleeding in over 16 of 24 women (57%). Differential diagnoses included miscarriages, cervical pregnancy, placenta previa, and malignancy. Significant antenatal hemorrhages, preterm rupture of membranes, and preterm birth were the most frequent pregnancy complications. Only one of 27 electively performed procedures resulted in biopsy-induced uncontrolled vaginal bleeding (0.04%), suggesting the relative safety of the interventions. Lesion resection led to the cessation of recurrent symptoms in eight of eight patients (100%) compared to eight of 15 women (53%) under observation management. All women with polypoid deciduosis over 1.5 cm entered labor and delivered without complications.
CONCLUSIONS
We described the clinical course, pregnancy complications, diagnostic-related challenges, management, and associated outcomes in women with macroscopic cervical and vaginal deciduosis. We supported the analysis with the current state of the problem and discovered gaps for prospective studies.
PubMed: 37791171
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44479 -
Medicine Oct 2016Placenta previa is characterized by the abnormal placenta overlying the endocervical os, and it is known as one of the most feared adverse maternal and fetal-neonatal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Placenta previa is characterized by the abnormal placenta overlying the endocervical os, and it is known as one of the most feared adverse maternal and fetal-neonatal complications in obstetrics.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to obtain overall and regional estimates of placenta previa prevalence among deliveries in Mainland China.
METHODS
The research was performed a systematic review, following the Meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines for systematic reviews of observational studies, and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Electronic databases were searched and included hospital-based studies that reported placenta previa prevalence in Mainland China. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to pool prevalence estimates of placenta previa. Meta-regression analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity across the included studies. For exploring the geographical distributions of placenta previa, the ArcGIS software (Esri) was used to construct the map of prevalence.
RESULTS
A total of 80 articles and 86 datasets (including 1,298,548 subjects and 14,199 placenta previa cases) from 1965 through 2015 were included. The pooled overall prevalence of placenta previa among deliveries was 1.24% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.36) in Mainland China during 1965 to 2015. And, the trend in the prevalence of placenta previa was steady. The occurrence rate of placenta previa in the region groups Northeast, North, Northwest, Central China, East, South, and Southwest was 1.20%, 1.01%, 1.10%, 1.15%, 0.93%, 1.42%, and 2.01%, respectively. The prevalence map based on a geographic information system showed an unequal geographic distribution.
CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that placenta previa is currently a high-burden disease in Mainland China. This review would be useful for the design of placenta previa planning and implementation adequate health care systems and treatment programs in Mainland China.
Topics: China; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Humans; Placenta Previa; Pregnancy; Prevalence
PubMed: 27749592
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000005107 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023In 2021, India contributed for ~79% of malaria cases and ~ 83% of deaths in the South East Asia region. Here, we systematically and critically analyzed data... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
In 2021, India contributed for ~79% of malaria cases and ~ 83% of deaths in the South East Asia region. Here, we systematically and critically analyzed data published on malaria in pregnancy (MiP) in India.
METHODS
Epidemiological, clinical, parasitological, preventive and therapeutic aspects of MiP and its consequences on both mother and child were reviewed and critically analyzed. Knowledge gaps and solution ways are also presented and discussed. Several electronic databases including Google scholar, Google, PubMed, Scopus, Wiley Online library, the Malaria in Pregnancy Consortium library, the World Malaria Report, The WHO regional websites, and ClinicalTrials.gov were used to identify articles dealing with MiP in India. The archives of local scientific associations/journals and website of national programs were also consulted.
RESULTS
Malaria in pregnancy is mainly due to () and (), and on rare occasions to spp. and too. The overall prevalence of MiP is ~0.1-57.7% for peripheral malaria and ~ 0-29.3% for placental malaria. Peripheral infection at antenatal care (ANC) visits decreased from ~13% in 1991 to ~7% in 1995-1996 in Madhya Pradesh, while placental infection at delivery unit slightly decreased from ~1.5% in 2006-2007 to ~1% in 2012-2015 in Jharkhand. In contrast, the prevalence of peripheral infection at ANC increased from ~1% in 2006-2007 to ~5% in 2015 in Jharkhand, and from ~0.5% in 1984-1985 to ~1.5% in 2007-2008 in Chhattisgarh. Clinical presentation of MiP is diverse ranging from asymptomatic carriage of parasites to severe malaria, and associated with comorbidities and concurrent infections such as malnutrition, COVID-19, dengue, and cardiovascular disorders. Severe anemia, cerebral malaria, severe thrombocytopenia, and hypoglycemia are commonly seen in severe MiP, and are strongly associated with tragic consequences such as abortion and stillbirth. Congenital malaria is seen at prevalence of ~0-12.9%. Infected babies are generally small-for-gestational age, premature with low birthweight, and suffer mainly from anemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and clinical jaundice. Main challenges and knowledge gaps to MiP control included diagnosis, relapsing malaria, mixed infection treatment, self-medication, low density infections and utility of artemisinin-based combination therapies.
CONCLUSION
All taken together, the findings could be immensely helpful to control MiP in malaria endemic areas.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Abortion, Spontaneous; Anemia; India; Malaria; Malaria, Vivax; Placenta; Thrombocytopenia
PubMed: 37927870
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1150466 -
Archivos Argentinos de Pediatria Oct 2023Mercury is a toxic metal which can cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier and cause the disruption of various cellular processes. Studies have investigated...
Mercury is a toxic metal which can cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier and cause the disruption of various cellular processes. Studies have investigated mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders; therefore, a critical and rigorous analysis of this evidence is required. The objective of this review was to evaluate the available scientific evidence on the effects of mercury exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods and its relationship with the development of neurobehavioral disorders. A systematic search of the MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases was conducted; the results were presented in tables and narrative synthesis. Only 31 studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall, the evidence on the effects of mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders in children is limited. Learning disabilities, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were some of the reported potential effects.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Child; Humans; Mercury; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Autistic Disorder
PubMed: 37145892
DOI: 10.5546/aap.2022-02838.eng -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Jun 2023It is debated whether fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) is beneficial to fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and whether FETO has different... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
It is debated whether fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) is beneficial to fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and whether FETO has different effects in moderate and severe CDH. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis including the latest evidence to assess the overall effects of FETO on clinical outcomes of CDH.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database and Wanfang Database to retrieve eligible studies published before 8 September 2022. No language or study design restrictions were applied. Studies were included if CDH fetuses underwent FETO surgery and were compared with a cohort that underwent expectant management, with at least one outcome reported. The primary outcomes were mortality at 1, 6 and 12 months after birth, rates of pulmonary hypertension, use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and prematurity. Meta-analysis was conducted to obtain pooled odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences. The quality of included studies and pooled evidence was also assessed.
RESULTS
A total of 1187 CDH fetuses from 20 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. FETO significantly reduced 1-month (OR, 0.56 (95% CI, 0.34-0.93); P = 0.02, number needed to treat (NNT) = 7.67) and 6-month (OR, 0.34 (95% CI, 0.18-0.65); P = 0.0009, NNT = 5.26) CDH mortality (moderate/low quality of evidence). Subgroup analysis suggested that the effects of FETO on the rates of pulmonary hypertension and ECMO usage were significant in severe CDH (low/moderate quality of evidence) but not in moderate CDH (low/very low quality of evidence). FETO was also associated with an increased risk of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes before 37 weeks' gestation (OR, 4.94 (95% CI, 2.25-10.88); P < 0.0001, number needed to harm (NNH) = 3.13) and preterm birth before 37 weeks (OR, 5.24 (95% CI, 3.33-8.23); P < 0.00001, NNH = 2.79) (high/moderate quality of evidence). However, FETO was not associated with severe complications, such as preterm birth before 32 weeks, placental abruption or chorioamnionitis (very low/low quality of evidence).
CONCLUSIONS
FETO is associated with a reduction in mortality, rate of pulmonary hypertension and ECMO usage in severe CDH, while it reduces only the risk of mortality in moderate CDH. Although FETO increases the risk of late prematurity, it does not result in extreme prematurity. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital; Fetoscopy; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Premature Birth; Placenta; Fetus; Trachea
PubMed: 36704940
DOI: 10.1002/uog.26164 -
American Journal of Reproductive... Feb 2018Parturition at term is characterized by inflammatory overload in both feto-maternal tissues. Despite the large number of individual studies on changes in inflammatory... (Review)
Review
Parturition at term is characterized by inflammatory overload in both feto-maternal tissues. Despite the large number of individual studies on changes in inflammatory biomarkers linked to labor, a comprehensive profile of them in each of the uterine compartments is not available to better understand their mechanistic contributions to labor. This systematic review investigated the pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers reported in intra-uterine tissues (amnion, chorion, decidua, placenta, and myometrium) at term labor. We conducted a systematic review of studies on pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers (mRNA and/or protein) reported in feto-maternal tissues during normal human term labor, published in English (1980-2016), in 3 electronic data bases. From a total of 3712 citations, 172 were included for final review. Each tissue expresses a unique set of biomarkers at the time of term labor, but there is significant overlap between tissues. All tissues had IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, COX-2, PGE-2, TNF-α, and hCAP18 in common at term labor. Common and unique inflammatory biomarkers are expressed in various feto-maternal compartments at term labor. Increase in pro-inflammatory markers in all gestational tissue signifies their harmonious functional role in promoting labor. Anti-inflammatory markers at term labor are hardly reported.
Topics: Animals; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Biomarkers; Cathelicidins; Cyclooxygenase 2; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Metalloporphyrins; Parturition; Pregnancy; Uterus
PubMed: 29076197
DOI: 10.1111/aji.12776 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 2023Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) affects 50-80% of pregnant women and is correlated to the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) affects 50-80% of pregnant women and is correlated to the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe condition, with an incidence of 0.2-1.5%, characterized by consistent nausea, vomiting, weight loss and dehydration continuing after the second trimester.
AIM
The aim of this systematic review was to investigate a potential correlation between NVP or HG with adverse pregnancy outcomes and hCG levels.
METHOD
A systematic search in PubMed, Embase and CINAHL Complete was conducted. Studies on pregnant women with nausea in the first or second trimester, reporting either pregnancy outcomes or levels of hCG were included. The primary outcomes were preterm delivery (PTD), preeclampsia, miscarriage, and fetal growth restriction. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. The overall certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.
RESULTS
The search resulted in 2023 potentially relevant studies; 23 were included. The evidence was uncertain for all outcomes, however women with HG had a tendency to have an increased risk for preeclampsia [odds ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% confidence of interval (CI) 1.03 to 1.35], PTD [OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.61], small for gestational age (SGA) [OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.35], and low birth weight (LBW) [OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.44]. Further, a higher fetal female/male ratio was observed [OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.60]. Meta-analyses were not performed for women with NVP; however, most of these studies indicated that women with NVP have a lower risk for PTD and LBW and a higher risk for SGA, and a higher fetal female/male ratio.
CONCLUSION
There may be an increased risk in women with HG and a decreased risk in women with NVP for adverse placenta-associated pregnancy outcomes, however the evidence is very uncertain.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO: CRD42021281218.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Male; Humans; Hyperemesis Gravidarum; Pregnancy Outcome; Pre-Eclampsia; Placenta; Premature Birth; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Fetal Growth Retardation; Nausea
PubMed: 37226133
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05691-6 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Aug 2023Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic causing respiratory symptoms, taste alterations, olfactory disturbances, and cutaneous, cardiovascular, and neurological... (Review)
Review
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic causing respiratory symptoms, taste alterations, olfactory disturbances, and cutaneous, cardiovascular, and neurological manifestations. Recently, research interest has shifted to reproductive health to understand the factors predisposing to COVID-19 infection in pregnancy, the consequences of the infection on the fetus and on the mother, and possible vertical transmission through the placenta. Pregnancy does not increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to studies. However, contrary to non-pregnant women, pregnancy worsens the clinical outcome of COVID-19. Studies investigating the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy women are heterogeneous, and the results are often conflicting. The goal of the current work was to offer a thorough and up-to-date systematic review of, and meta-analysis on, the impact of COVID-19 on ovarian function, pregnancy, and fetal outcomes. This meta-analysis (PROSPERO n. CRD42023456904) was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocols. The search for relevant material was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase databases, through to 15 December 2022. Original articles on fertile pregnant women or women attempting to become pregnant, with an active case of, or history of, SARS-CoV-2 infection were included, and reproductive function was compared to that of uninfected women. The effects of COVID-19 on female reproductive function, particularly ovarian function, the profile of female sex hormones, pregnancy outcomes and fetal outcomes were the focus of our search. Quantitative analysis was performed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. The standard difference of the mean was calculated for the statistical comparison between cases and controls. Cochran's Q test and heterogeneity (I) indexes were used to assess statistical heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias tests were also performed. Twenty-eight articles met our inclusion criteria, for a total of 27,383 patients pregnant or looking to have offspring, with active or anamnestic COVID-19, and 1,583,772 uninfected control women. Our study revealed that there was no significant difference between COVID-19 patients and the control group in terms of maternal characteristics such as age, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities that could affect pregnancy and fetal outcomes. The risk of a miscarriage or Cesarean delivery was significantly lower, while the risk of fetal death or premature delivery was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in the controls. None of the included studies evaluated hormonal profiles or investigated the presence of infertility. Maternal comorbidities, age, and BMI do not raise the risk of COVID-19. However, pregnant women with COVID-19 had a lower risk of miscarriage and Cesarean delivery, possibly because of better prenatal care and high levels of observation during labor. COVID-19 during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal death and premature delivery.
PubMed: 37763105
DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091337 -
Reproduction & Fertility Jan 2023Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition which can affect the entire reproductive life course of women with a potentially detrimental effect on pregnancy.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
ABSTRACT
Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition which can affect the entire reproductive life course of women with a potentially detrimental effect on pregnancy. Pregnancy (and increasing parity) can affect endometriosis by modulating disease severity and suppressing symptoms. Multiparous women could be less likely to suffer from endometriosis-related pregnancy complications than primiparous women. We aimed to systematically review the evidence examining the role of parity in the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and endometriosis. A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was performed from inception to May 2022. We searched for experimental and observational studies. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used to assess the quality of evidence with the risk of bias in non-randomised studies of interventions tool incorporated. Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Primiparous women with endometriosis had almost double the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.50-2.63, P < 0.001) compared to multiparous women with endometriosis. Primiparous women with endometriosis were at significantly increased risk of preterm delivery, caesarean delivery, and placenta praevia compared to primiparous women without endometriosis. There were no significant differences in outcomes when multiparous women with endometriosis were compared to multiparous women without endometriosis. There is limited evidence to suggest that primiparous women with endometriosis may be at higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to multiparous women. The modulatory role of parity in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and its impact on pregnancy outcomes should be investigated.
LAY SUMMARY
Endometriosis can adversely affect pregnancy and cause complications that can affect both mother and baby. The severity and symptoms of endometriosis are lessened in pregnancy and with increasing births. Women who have previously given birth could experience fewer pregnancy complications than women giving birth for the first time. We reviewed the literature to compare pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis by whether they had given birth before or not. Our review included 11 studies. More women with endometriosis giving birth for the first time had blood pressure disorders in pregnancy than women with endometriosis who had given birth before. First-time mothers with endometriosis tended to have a baby born early, caesarean delivery, and an abnormally located placenta compared to those without endometriosis. This study supports the theory that women with endometriosis in their first pregnancy are at higher risk of complications and may benefit from additional monitoring.
Topics: Animals; Pregnancy; Female; Parity; Endometriosis; Pregnancy Outcome; Parturition; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 36821517
DOI: 10.1530/RAF-22-0070 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2015Retained placenta affects 0.5% to 3% of women following delivery, with considerable morbidity if left untreated. Use of nitroglycerin (NTG), either alone or in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Retained placenta affects 0.5% to 3% of women following delivery, with considerable morbidity if left untreated. Use of nitroglycerin (NTG), either alone or in combination with uterotonics, may be of value to minimise the need for manual removal of the placenta in theatre under anaesthesia.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of NTG as a tocolytic, either alone or in addition to uterotonics, in the management of retained placenta.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (14 January 2015), reference lists of retrieved studies and contacted experts in the field.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Any adequately randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing the use of NTG, either alone or in combination with uterotonics, with no intervention or with other interventions in the management of retained placenta. All women having a vaginal delivery with a retained placenta, regardless of the management of the third stage of labour (expectant or active). We included all trials with haemodynamically stable women in whom the placenta was not delivered at least within 15 minutes after delivery of the baby.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy.
MAIN RESULTS
We included three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 175 women. The three published RCTs compared NTG alone versus placebo. The detachment status of retained placenta was unknown in all three RCTs. Collectively, among the three included trials, two were judged to be at low risk of bias and the third trial was judged to be at high risk of bias for two domains: incomplete outcome data and selective reporting. The three trials reported seven out of 23 of the review's pre-specified outcomes.The primary outcome "manual removal of the placenta" was reported in all three studies. No differences were seen between NTG and placebo for manual removal of the placenta (average risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 1.46; women = 175; I² = 81%). A random-effects model was used because of evidence of substantial heterogeneity in the analysis. There were also no differences between groups for risk of severe postpartum haemorrhage (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.39; women = 150; studies = two; I² = 0%). Blood transfusion was only reported in one study (40 women) and again there was no difference between groups (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.07 to 14.90; women = 40; I² = 0%). Mean blood loss (mL) was reported in the three studies and no differences were observed (mean difference (MD) -115.31, 95% CI -306.25 to 75.63; women = 169; I² = 83%). Nitroglycerin administration was not associated with an increase in headaches (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.47; women = 174; studies = three; I² = 0%). However, nitroglycerin administration was associated with a significant, though mild, decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a significant increase in pulse rate (MD -3.75, 95% CI -7.47 to -0.03) for systolic blood pressure, and (MD 6.00, 95% CI 3.07 to 8.93) for pulse rate (beats per minute) respectively (reported by only one study including 24 participants). Maternal mortality and addition of therapeutic uterotonics were not reported in any study.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In cases of retained placenta, currently available data showed that the use of NTG alone did not reduce the need for manual removal of placenta. This intervention did not increase the incidence of severe postpartum haemorrhage nor the need for blood transfusion. Haemodynamically, NTG had a significant though mild effect on both pulse rate and blood pressure.
Topics: Administration, Sublingual; Female; Headache; Humans; Nitroglycerin; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Placenta, Retained; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26558329
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007708.pub3