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Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology :... Dec 2024Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has been recognised as a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has been recognised as a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy and clinical adverse effects using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Databases of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed (including Medline), Cochrane Library and Science Direct were searched until June of 2023. Data analysis using statistical test fixed- and random-effects models in the meta-analysis, Cochran and meta-regression. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale checklist (NOS). A total of 46 relevant studies, with a sample size of 1,554,141 were entered into the meta-analysis. Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth (OR: 1.8, CI 95%: 1.6-2.0), low birth weight (LBW; OR: 2.0, CI 95%: 1.5-2.6), premature rupture of membranes (PROMs; OR: 2.3, CI 95%: 1.8-3.0), abortion (OR: 4.3, CI 95%: 2.0-9.0), stillbirth (OR: 2.5, CI 95%: 1.2-5.0), placental abruption (OR: 2.2, CI 95%: 1.4-3.3) and placenta previa (OR: 1.9, CI 95%: 1.5-2.4). Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with preterm birth, LBW, PROMs, miscarriage, stillbirth, placental abruption and placenta previa. Therefore, physicians or midwives need to be aware of the possibility of these consequences and manage them when they occur.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Stillbirth; Premature Birth; Abruptio Placentae; Placenta Previa; Placenta; Pregnancy Outcome; Abortion, Spontaneous; Uterine Hemorrhage
PubMed: 38305047
DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2023.2288224 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jan 2024Prenatal exposure to metal mixtures is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes like low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age. However,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Prenatal exposure to metal mixtures is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes like low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age. However, prior studies have used individual metal analysis, lacking real-life exposure scenarios.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aims to evaluate the strength and consistency of the association between metal mixtures and pregnancy and birth outcomes, identify research gaps, and inform future studies and policies in this area.
METHODS
The review adhered to the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist, along with the guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies of etiology (COSMOS-E). Our data collection involved searching the PubMed, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases. We utilized inclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. These chosen studies underwent thorough screening and data extraction procedures. Methodological quality evaluations were conducted using the NOS framework for cohort and case-control studies, and the AXIS tool for cross-sectional studies.
RESULTS
The review included 34 epidemiological studies, half of which focused on birth weight, and the others investigated neonate size, preterm birth, small for gestational age, miscarriage, and placental characteristics. The findings revealed significant associations between metal mixtures (including mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), barium (Ba), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr)) and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, demonstrating diverse effects and potential interactions.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this review consistently establishes connections between metal exposure during pregnancy and adverse consequences for birth weight, gestational age, and other vital birth-related metrics. This review further demonstrates the need to apply mixture methods with caution but also shows that they can be superior to traditional approaches. Further research is warranted to deeper understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop effective strategies for mitigating the potential risks associated with metal mixture exposure during pregnancy.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Abortion, Spontaneous; Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fetal Growth Retardation; Mercury; Metals; Placenta; Premature Birth
PubMed: 37963536
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168380 -
International Journal of Public Health 2023Preterm birth (PTB) is considered as a public health problem and one of the main risk factors related to the global disease burden. The purpose of this study aims to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Preterm birth (PTB) is considered as a public health problem and one of the main risk factors related to the global disease burden. The purpose of this study aims to explore the influence of exposure to major air pollutants at different pregnancies on PTB. The relationship between air pollutants and PTB in China was collected from cohort studies and case-control studies published before 30 April 2022. Meta-analysis was carried out with STATA 15.0 software. A total of 2,115 papers were retrieved, of which 18 papers met the inclusion criteria. The comprehensive effect of pollutant exposure and PTB were calculated. PM during entire pregnancy and O exposure during third trimester were positively associated with preterm birth. Every 10 μg/m increase in the average concentration of PM during the whole pregnancy will increase the risk of premature delivery by 4%, and every 10 μg/m increase in the average concentration of O in the third trimester will increase the risk of premature delivery by 1%. Exposure to PM entire prenatal pregnancy and O in third trimester is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth occurrence.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Air Pollutants; Premature Birth; Air Pollution; China; Particulate Matter; Maternal Exposure
PubMed: 37876739
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606226 -
JAMA Network Open Jul 2023Smoking causes considerable noncommunicable diseases, perinatal morbidity, and mortality. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Smoking causes considerable noncommunicable diseases, perinatal morbidity, and mortality.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the associations of population-level tobacco-control policies with health outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and EconLit were searched from inception to March 2021 (updated on 1 March 2022). References were manually searched.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies reporting on associations of population-level tobacco control policies with health-related outcomes were included. Data were analyzed from May to July 2022.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were extracted by 1 investigator and cross-checked by a second investigator. Analyses were conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guideline.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcomes were respiratory system disease (RSD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, mortality, hospitalization, and health care utilization. The secondary outcomes were adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.
RESULTS
Of 4952 records identified, 144 population-level studies were included in the final analysis; 126 studies (87.5%) were of high or moderate quality. The most frequently reported policies were smoke-free legislation (126 studies), followed by tax or price increases (14 studies), multicomponent tobacco control programs (12 studies), and a minimum cigarette purchase age law (1 study). Smoke-free legislation was associated with decreased risk of all CVD events (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86-0.94), RSD events (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.96), hospitalization due to CVD or RSD (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.95), and adverse birth outcomes (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92-0.96). These associations persisted in all sensitivity and subgroup analyses, except for the country income category, for which a significant reduction was only observed in high-income countries. In meta-analysis, there was no clear association of tax or price increases with adverse health outcomes. However, for the narrative synthesis, all 8 studies reported statistically significant associations between tax increases and decreases in adverse health events.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, smoke-free legislation was associated with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality related to CVD, RSD, and perinatal outcomes. These findings support the need to accelerate the implementation of smoke-free laws to protect populations against smoking-related harm.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Tobacco Control; Premature Birth; Cardiovascular Diseases; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 37418258
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22341 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Aug 2023More intense cyclones are expected in the future as a result of climate change. A comprehensive review is urgently needed to summarize and update the evidence on the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
More intense cyclones are expected in the future as a result of climate change. A comprehensive review is urgently needed to summarize and update the evidence on the health effects of cyclones.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to provide a systematic review with meta-analysis of current evidence on the risks of all reported health outcomes related to cyclones and to identify research gaps and make recommendations for further research.
METHODS
We systematically searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for relevant studies in English published before 21 December 2022. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we developed inclusion criteria, screened the literature, and included epidemiological studies with a quantitative risk assessment of any mortality or morbidity-related outcomes associated with cyclone exposures. We extracted key data and assessed study quality for these studies and applied meta-analyses to quantify the overall effect estimate and the heterogeneity of comparable studies.
RESULTS
In total, 71 studies from eight countries (the United States, China, India, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Australia, Brazil), mostly the United States, were included in the review. These studies investigated the all-cause and cause-specific mortality, as well as morbidity related to injury, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, mental disorders, adverse birth outcomes, cancer, diabetes, and other outcomes (e.g., suicide rates, gender-based violence). Studies mostly included only one high-amplitude cyclone (cyclones with a Saffir-Simpson category of 4 or 5, i.e., Hurricanes Katrina or Sandy) and focused on mental disorders morbidity and all-cause mortality and hospitalizations. Consistently elevated risks of overall mental health morbidity, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as all-cause mortality or hospitalizations, were found to be associated with cyclones. However, the results for other outcomes were generally mixed or limited. A statistically significant overall relative risk of 1.09 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.13], 1.18 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.25), 1.15 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.18), 1.26 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.50) was observed for all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalizations, respiratory disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospitalizations, respectively, after cyclone exposures, whereas no statistically significant risks were identified for diabetes mortality, heart disease mortality, and preterm birth. High between-study heterogeneity was observed.
CONCLUSIONS
There is generally consistent evidence supporting the notion that high-amplitude cyclones could significantly increase risks of mental disorders, especially for PTSD, as well as mortality and hospitalizations, but the evidence for other health outcomes, such as chronic diseases (e.g., CVDs, cancer, diabetes), and adverse birth outcomes remains limited or inconsistent. More studies with rigorous exposure assessment, of larger spatial and temporal scales, and using advanced modeling strategy are warranted in the future, especially for those small cyclone-prone countries or regions with low and middle incomes. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12158.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Cyclonic Storms; Premature Birth; Mental Disorders; Australia; Cardiovascular Diseases; Epidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 37639476
DOI: 10.1289/EHP12158 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Nov 2023The utility of procalcitonin to identify obstetric sepsis is unknown. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The utility of procalcitonin to identify obstetric sepsis is unknown.
OBJECTIVE
To calculate the mean (range) procalcitonin in pregnancy among healthy women not in labor (group 1), healthy women in labor (group 2), and women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) without clinical chorioamnionitis (group 3).
SEARCH STRATEGY
NLM PubMed, Elsevier Embase, and Wiley Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to February 21, 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Ten or more pregnant women with procalcitonin reported at more than 20 weeks of pregnancy, with information on labor, PPROM, and infection. Exclusions were major medical comorbidities.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Each abstract and full-text review was independently reviewed by the same two authors. Quality was reviewed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model.
MAIN RESULTS
The systematic review included 25 studies: 10 (40%) of good quality and 15 (60%) of poor quality. The meta-analysis included 21 studies. Mean procalcitonin in group 1 was 0.092 ng/mL (range 0.036-0.049 ng/mL), in group 2 it was 0.130 ng/mL (range 0.049-0.259 ng/mL), and in group 3 it was 0.345 ng/mL (range 0.005-1.292 ng/mL).
CONCLUSIONS
Among healthy pregnant women not in labor, procalcitonin levels are comparable to those in non-pregnant adults and may be useful in identifying infection. Procalcitonin levels in other groups overlap abnormal values of procalcitonin in non-pregnant adults, and may not discriminate infection among women in labor or with obstetric comorbidities.
PROSPERO
CRD42020157376, registered 4/28/2020.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Chorioamnionitis; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Labor, Obstetric; Procalcitonin; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37118923
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14813 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... May 2024This study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of concomitant histological fetal inflammatory response with chorioamnionitis on neonatal outcomes through a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of concomitant histological fetal inflammatory response with chorioamnionitis on neonatal outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature.
DATA SOURCES
The primary search was conducted on October 17, 2021, and it was updated on May 26, 2023, across 4 separate databases (MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and Scopus) without using any filters.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Observational studies reporting obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of infant-mother dyads with histological chorioamnionitis and histological fetal inflammatory response vs infant-mother dyads with histological chorioamnionitis alone were eligible. Studies that enrolled only preterm neonates, studies on neonates born before 37 weeks of gestation, or studies on neonates with very low birthweight (birthweight <1500 g) were included. The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42021283448).
METHODS
The records were selected by title, abstract, and full text, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Random-effect model-based pooled odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated for dichotomous outcomes.
RESULTS
Overall, 50 studies were identified. A quantitative analysis of 14 outcomes was performed. Subgroup analysis using the mean gestational age of the studies was performed, and a cutoff of 28 weeks of gestation was implemented. Among neonates with lower gestational ages, early-onset sepsis (pooled odds ratio, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-2.84) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (pooled odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.66) were associated with histological fetal inflammatory response. Our analysis showed that preterm neonates with a concomitant histological fetal inflammatory response are more likely to develop intraventricular hemorrhage (pooled odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.02) and retinopathy of prematurity (pooled odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.82). The odds of clinical chorioamnionitis were almost 3-fold higher among infant-mother dyads with histological fetal inflammatory response than among infant-mother dyads with histological chorioamnionitis alone (pooled odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.96-4.55).
CONCLUSION
This study investigated multiple neonatal outcomes and found association in the case of 4 major morbidities: early-onset sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and retinopathy of prematurity.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Chorioamnionitis; Infant, Newborn; Female; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Infant, Premature; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; Retinopathy of Prematurity; Prognosis; Cerebral Intraventricular Hemorrhage; Premature Birth
PubMed: 37967697
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.1223 -
BMJ Open Sep 2023We conducted a systematic review to evaluate associations between influenza vaccination during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes and maternal non-obstetric serious...
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review to evaluate associations between influenza vaccination during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes and maternal non-obstetric serious adverse events (SAEs), taking into consideration confounding and temporal biases.
METHODS
Electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE ALL, Embase Classic+Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched to June 2021 for observational studies assessing associations between influenza vaccination during pregnancy and maternal non-obstetric SAEs and adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, small-for-gestational-age birth and congenital anomalies. Studies of live attenuated vaccines, single-arm cohort studies and abstract-only publications were excluded. Records were screened using a liberal accelerated approach initially, followed by a dual independent approach for full-text screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Pairwise meta-analyses were conducted, where two or more studies met methodological criteria for inclusion. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess evidence certainty.
RESULTS
Of 9443 records screened, 63 studies were included. Twenty-nine studies (24 cohort and 5 case-control) evaluated seasonal influenza vaccination (trivalent and/or quadrivalent) versus no vaccination and were the focus of our prioritised syntheses; 34 studies of pandemic vaccines (2009 A/H1N1 and others), combinations of pandemic and seasonal vaccines, and seasonal versus seasonal vaccines were also reviewed. Control for confounding and temporal biases was inconsistent across studies, limiting pooling of data. Meta-analyses for preterm birth, spontaneous abortion and small-for-gestational-age birth demonstrated no significant associations with seasonal influenza vaccination. Immortal time bias was observed in a sensitivity analysis of meta-analysing risk-based preterm birth data. In descriptive summaries for stillbirth, congenital anomalies and maternal non-obstetric SAEs, no significant association with increased risk was found in any studies. All evidence was of very low certainty.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence of very low certainty suggests that seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with adverse birth outcomes or maternal non-obstetric SAEs. Appropriate control of confounding and temporal biases in future studies would improve the evidence base.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Abortion, Spontaneous; Stillbirth; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Premature Birth
PubMed: 37673449
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066182 -
Early Human Development Aug 2023A secular trend towards earlier age at menarche has been reported, but the trend in breast development is less clear. We reviewed the evidence on the relationship... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A secular trend towards earlier age at menarche has been reported, but the trend in breast development is less clear. We reviewed the evidence on the relationship between in utero and early life events and breast onset/development.
METHODS
Eligible studies were identified in PubMed and Embase databases. We selected studies in which female human exposure during fetal or the first years of life was measured or estimated, and associations with breast onset or development were evaluated.
RESULTS
Of the 49 cohort studies and 5 cross-sectional studies identified, 43 provided sufficient data to assess associations. High maternal weight, primiparity, and early weight gain, were related to an increased risk of early breast onset/development in most of the studies that analysed these associations, whereas late breast onset/development was associated with preterm birth. Results were inconsistent for smoking in pregnancy, maternal hypertensive disorders, breastfeeding, diabetes, and small for gestational age. No association emerged for maternal age at delivery, alcohol drinking, and selected drug use during pregnancy, and low birth weight.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this review show that high maternal weight, primiparity and early weight gain were associated with an increased risk of early breast onset/development. Late breast onset/development was associated with preterm birth. Breast development is a key physical marker of puberty onset, and early puberty development is linked to consequences that can reverberate throughout life. Answering the questions about the interconnections between pre/postnatal environmental exposures and their impact on puberty, represents an important area of multidisciplinary research.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Premature Birth; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prenatal Care; Maternal Age; Weight Gain
PubMed: 37421688
DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105816 -
PloS One 2023Maternal exposures to environmental hazards during pregnancy are key determinants of birth outcomes that affect health, cognitive and economic status later in life. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Maternal exposures to environmental hazards during pregnancy are key determinants of birth outcomes that affect health, cognitive and economic status later in life. In Ethiopia, various epidemiological evidences have suggested associations between environmental exposures such as household air pollution, cigarette smoking, and pesticide exposure and pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defects.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed at generating summarized evidence on the association between maternal exposure to environmental factors (household air pollution, cigarette smoking, and pesticide) and pregnancy outcomes (birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defects) in Ethiopia.
METHOD
A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases. All observational study designs were eligible for inclusion in the review. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) quality assessment tools adopted for case-control and cross-sectional studies. The random-effects model was applied in computing the pooled estimates and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Funnel and Doi plots were used for detecting the potential publication bias. All statistical analyses were performed using comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA 2.0) and MetaXL version 5.3 software.
RESULT
The pooled estimates revealed that prenatal biomass fuel use increased the risk of giving a low birth weight baby by twofold (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.33-3.31), and has no separate kitchen increases the risk of having low birth weight baby nearly by two and half times (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.25-4.92). Overall, using biomass fuel as the main energy source for cooking and /or having no separate kitchen from the main house is 2.37 times more likely to give low birth weight babies (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.58-3.53). Active cigarette smoker women were 4 times (OR = 4.11, 95% CI: 2.82-5.89) more prone to have low birth weight babies than nonsmokers; and passive smoker women were 2.6 times (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.09-6.35) more risked to give low birth weight babies. It was also estimated that active cigarette smoker women were nearly 4 times (OR = 3.90, 95% CI: 2.36-6.45) more likely to give preterm birth babies. Pesticide exposure during pregnancy also increases the risk of the birth defect 4 times (OR = 4.44, 95% CI: 2.61-7.57) compared with non-exposed pregnant women.
CONCLUSION
Household air pollution from biomass fuel use, active and passive cigarette smoking, and pesticide exposures are significantly associated environmental risk factors for low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defects in Ethiopia. Therefore, Pregnant and lactating women should be aware of these environmental hazards during pregnancy. Promoting clean energy and improved and efficient stoves at the household level will help to reduce household air pollution-related adverse health effects.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO 2022: CRD42022337140.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Infant; Female; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Lactation; Environmental Exposure; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37437038
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288240