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American Journal of Obstetrics and... Mar 2024Accelerated female reproductive events represent the early onset of reproductive events involving puberty, menarche, pregnancy loss, first sexual intercourse, first... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Accelerated female reproductive events represent the early onset of reproductive events involving puberty, menarche, pregnancy loss, first sexual intercourse, first birth, parity, and menopause. This study aimed to explore the association between childhood adversity and accelerated female reproductive events.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched from September 22, 2022 to September 23, 2022.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Observational cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies in human populations were included if they reported the time of reproductive events for female individuals with experience of childhood adversity and were published in English.
METHODS
Two reviewers independently screened studies, obtained data, and assessed study quality, and conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. Dichotomous outcomes were evaluated using meta-analysis, and pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were generated using random-effects models. Moderation analysis and meta-regression were used to investigate heterogeneity.
RESULTS
In total, 21 cohort studies, 9 cross-sectional studies, and 3 case-control studies were identified. Overall, female individuals with childhood adversity were nearly 2 times more likely to report accelerated reproductive events than those with no adversity exposure (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.76; I=99.6%; P<.001). Moderation analysis indicated that effect sizes for the types of childhood adversity ranged from an odds ratio of 1.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.09) for low socioeconomic status to 2.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.99) for dysfunctional family dynamics. Among the 7 groups based on different reproductive events, including early onset of puberty, early menarche, early sexual initiation, teenage childbirth, preterm birth, pregnancy loss, and early menopause, early sexual initiation had a nonsignificant correlation with childhood adversity (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-8.30; I=99.9%; P<.001). Considerable heterogeneity (I>75%) between estimates was observed for over half of the outcomes. Age, study type, and method of data collection could explain 35.9% of the variance.
CONCLUSION
The literature tentatively corroborates that female individuals who reported adverse events in childhood are more likely to experience accelerated reproductive events. This association is especially strong for exposure to abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics. However, the heterogeneity among studies was high, requiring caution in interpreting the findings and highlighting the need for further evaluation of the types and timing of childhood events that influence accelerated female reproductive events.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Cross-Sectional Studies; Parturition; Premature Birth; Reproduction
PubMed: 37820985
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.005 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Sep 2023There is a dearth of robust evidence regarding the correlation between psoriasis with maternal and neonatal outcomes, making it challenging to establish definitive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There is a dearth of robust evidence regarding the correlation between psoriasis with maternal and neonatal outcomes, making it challenging to establish definitive recommendations for the management of these patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review the evidence with regard to the impact of maternal psoriasis on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
METHODS
Following the PRISMA guideline, a systematic search of English articles using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. The search was performed from inception to 22 of May 2022.
RESULT
A significant association was observed between psoriasis and maternal outcomes, including cesarean delivery [OR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.13-1.30, p-value = 0.001)], (pre)eclampsia [OR = 1.29 (95% CI: 1.15-1.44, p-value = 0.0001)], gestational diabetes [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.23 (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 1.15-1.30, p-value = 0.001)], gestational hypertension [OR = 1.31 (95% CI: 1.18-1.45, p-value = 0.001)] and preterm birth [OR = 1.22 (95% CI: 1.10-1.35, p-value = 0.001)]. Also, there was a significant association between psoriasis and neonatal outcomes, including small for gestational age [OR = 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02-1.11, p-value = 0.053)], low birth weight [OR = 1.19 (95% CI: 1.02-1.38, p-value = 0.001)] and stillbirth [OR = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.04-1.55, p-value = 0.023)].
CONCLUSION
Maternal psoriasis could negatively impact maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our results strengthen the importance of close monitoring of the mothers' psoriasis status before and during pregnancy.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Stillbirth; Diabetes, Gestational; Pre-Eclampsia
PubMed: 37777747
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06006-5 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Oct 2023Previous cesarean delivery is a risk factor for developing placenta accreta spectrum in a subsequent pregnancy and patients with antenatally suspected placenta accreta...
BACKGROUND
Previous cesarean delivery is a risk factor for developing placenta accreta spectrum in a subsequent pregnancy and patients with antenatally suspected placenta accreta spectrum frequently undergo planned cesarean hysterectomy. There is a paucity of data regarding unsuspected placenta accreta spectrum among patients undergoing trial of labor after cesarean delivery for attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the incidence, characteristics, and delivery outcomes of patients with placenta accreta spectrum diagnosed at the time of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.
STUDY DESIGN
The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample was retrospectively queried to examine 184,415 patients with a history of low transverse cesarean delivery who had vaginal delivery in the current index hospital admission between 2017 and 2020. Those with placenta previa, previous vertical cesarean delivery, other uterine scars, and uterine rupture were excluded. This study identified placenta accreta spectrum cases using the World Health Organization International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision, codes of O43.2. Coprimary outcomes were (1) the incidence rate of placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery; (2) clinical and pregnancy characteristics related to placenta accreta spectrum, assessed with multivariable binary logistic regression model; and (3) delivery outcomes associated with placenta accreta spectrum by fitting propensity score adjustment. The secondary outcome was to conduct a systematic literature review using 3 public search engines (PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus). Data on incidence rate and maternal morbidity related to placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery were evaluated.
RESULTS
The incidence rate of placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was 8.1 per 10,000 deliveries. Most placenta accreta spectrum cases were placenta accreta (83.3%). In a multivariable analysis, older maternal age, tobacco use, preeclampsia, multifetal pregnancy, fetal anomaly, preterm premature rupture of membrane, chorioamnionitis, low-lying placenta, and preterm delivery were associated with an increased risk of placenta accreta spectrum (all, P<.05). Of these factors, low-lying placenta had the largest odds for placenta accreta spectrum (526.3 vs 7.3 per 10,000 deliveries; adjusted odds ratio, 35.02; 95% confidence interval, 18.19-67.42). Patients in the placenta accreta spectrum group were more likely to have postpartum hemorrhage (80.0% vs 5.5%), blood product transfusion (23.3% vs 1.0%), shock or coagulopathy (20.0% vs 0.2%), and hysterectomy (43.3% vs <0.1%) than those without placenta accreta spectrum (all, P<.001). In a systematic literature review, a total of 212 studies were screened, and none of these studies examined the incidence and morbidity of placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.
CONCLUSION
This nationwide assessment suggests that although placenta accreta spectrum with vaginal birth after cesarean delivery is uncommon (1 of 1229 cases), the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum at vaginal birth after cesarean delivery is associated with significant maternal morbidity. In addition, the data suggest that low-lying placenta in the setting of previous low transverse cesarean delivery warrants careful evaluation for possible placenta accreta spectrum before a trial of labor.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Placenta Accreta; Vaginal Birth after Cesarean; Retrospective Studies; Cesarean Section; Delivery, Obstetric; Premature Birth
PubMed: 37543142
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101115 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jan 2024Hyperemesis gravidarum affects 0.3%-3% of pregnant women each year and is the leading cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy. Previous systematic reviews of...
INTRODUCTION
Hyperemesis gravidarum affects 0.3%-3% of pregnant women each year and is the leading cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy. Previous systematic reviews of available treatments have found a lack of consistent evidence, and few studies of high quality. Since 2016, no systematic review has been conducted and an up-to date review is requested. In a recent James Lind Alliance collaboration, it was clear that research on effective treatments is a high priority for both patients and clinicians.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Searches without time limits were performed in the AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases until June 26, 2023. Studies published before October 1, 2014 were identified from the review by O'Donnell et al., 2016. Selection criteria were randomized clinical trials and non-randomized studies of interventions comparing treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum with another treatment or placebo. Outcome variables included were: degree of nausea; vomiting; inability to tolerate oral fluids or food; hospital treatment; health-related quality of life, small-for-gestational-age infant; and preterm birth. Abstracts and full texts were screened, and risk of bias of the studies was assessed independently by two authors. Synthesis without meta-analysis was performed, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. PROSPERO (CRD42022303150).
RESULTS
Twenty treatments were included in 25 studies with low or moderate risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was very low for all treatments except for acupressure in addition to standard care, which showed a possible moderate decrease in nausea and vomiting, with low certainty of evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
Several scientific knowledge gaps were identified. Studies on treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum are few, and the certainty of evidence for different treatments is either low or very low. To establish more robust evidence, it is essential to use validated scoring systems, the recently established diagnostic criteria, clear descriptions and measurements of core outcomes and to perform larger studies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Hyperemesis Gravidarum; Nausea; Pregnant Women; Premature Birth; Quality of Life
PubMed: 37891710
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14706 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Aug 2023Exposures in utero are suggested to play a role in the etiology of endometriosis and adenomyosis, although the current evidence is inconclusive. Knowledge about... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Exposures in utero are suggested to play a role in the etiology of endometriosis and adenomyosis, although the current evidence is inconclusive. Knowledge about potential prenatal programming and early life exposures that may affect this risk is of high importance, to focus potential preventive strategies for the diseases already during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to review systematically the literature of the association between measures of fetal growth and preterm birth and endometriosis and adenomyosis in adult life.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and by search on PubMed and EMBASE was carried out. We included published case-control and cohort studies. We excluded studies without a reference group, eg case series, case reports as well as commentaries, letters and editorials. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses using a random-effect inverse variance weighted model were performed. PROSPERO registration number is CRD42021249322.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies were included. In general, the quality scores of the studies were moderate. We found that the risk of endometriosis was 26% higher in women born with a birthweight <2.5 kg (pooled odds ratio [pOR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.52) and 32% higher in women born preterm (pOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.01-1.72) than in the reference groups. The studies on adenomyosis pointed towards no association, but a meta-analysis was unfeasible due to the small number of studies.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis found that low birthweight and being born preterm were associated with endometriosis in adult life, but the results must be interpreted cautiously. No solid conclusion could be made regarding adenomyosis due to a limited number of published studies, but the studies included found no association. The results support the hypothesis of a potential early programming effect of endometriosis. However, the body of evidence is sparse and this hypothesis needs to be investigated further.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Adult; Humans; Premature Birth; Endometriosis; Birth Weight; Adenomyosis; Fetal Development
PubMed: 37475152
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14594 -
The Science of the Total Environment Dec 2023Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been linked to adverse birth outcomes; however, to date, the available studies on such relations, with the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been linked to adverse birth outcomes; however, to date, the available studies on such relations, with the exception of birth weight, has not been systematically synthesized. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available observational studies on the association of maternal exposure to PAHs and their metabolites during pregnancy with indicators of fetal growth and gestational age at delivery. We searched Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus systematically for all relevant published papers in English until 13 January 2023. Random effects meta-analysis was applied to synthesize the association estimates. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression. A total of 31 articles were included in our review (n = 703,080 participants). Our quality assessment of reviewed papers showed that 19 research had excellent, nine had good, and three had fair quality. Most of the reviewed studies on exposure to PAHs and their metabolites with gestational age and preterm birth (seven studies) reported no statistically significant association. Eight studies were eligible for our meta-analysis. Results of the meta-analysis indicated that higher levels of maternal urinary 1-OHP was associated with lower birth weight, birth length and head circumference and a higher risk of low birth weight (LBW). However, these associations were not statistically significant. Similarly, the combined association between maternal urinary 1-OHP and newborn's Ponderal index (PI) and Cephalization index were not statistically significant. Overall, our systematic review and meta-analysis suggested a potential adverse impact of exposure to PAHs on LBW, HC, and CC; however, further studies are required to be able to draw concrete conclusions on such associations.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Birth Weight; Premature Birth; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Maternal Exposure
PubMed: 37699478
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166922 -
Biology of Sex Differences Jul 2023Premature birth and/or low birthweight have long-lasting effects on cognition. The purpose of the present systematic review is to examine whether the effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Premature birth and/or low birthweight have long-lasting effects on cognition. The purpose of the present systematic review is to examine whether the effects of prematurity and/or low birth weight on neurodevelopmental outcomes differ between males and females.
METHODS
Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched for studies of humans born premature and/or of low birthweight, where neurodevelopmental phenotypes were measured at 1 year of age or older. Studies must have reported outcomes in such a way that it was possible to assess whether effects were greater in one sex than the other. Risk of bias was assessed using both the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the National Institutes of Health Quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies.
RESULTS
Seventy-five studies were included for descriptive synthesis, although only 24 presented data in a way that could be extracted for meta-analyses. Meta-analyses found that severe and moderate prematurity/low birthweight impaired cognitive function, and severe prematurity/low birthweight also increased internalizing problem scores. Moderate, but not severe, prematurity/low birthweight significantly increased externalizing problem scores. In no case did effects of prematurity/low birthweight differ between males and females. Heterogeneity among studies was generally high and significant, although age at assessment was not a significant moderator of effect. Descriptive synthesis did not identify an obvious excess or deficiency of male-biased or female-biased effects for any trait category. Individual study quality was generally good, and we found no evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
We found no evidence that the sexes differ in their susceptibility to the effects of severe or moderate prematurity/low birthweight on cognitive function, internalizing traits or externalizing traits. Result heterogeneity tended to be high, but this reflects that one sex is not consistently more affected than the other. Frequently stated generalizations that one sex is more susceptible to prenatal adversity should be re-evaluated.
Topics: United States; Pregnancy; Female; Male; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Premature Birth; Sex Characteristics; Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Infant, Low Birth Weight
PubMed: 37434174
DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00532-9 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023L-Arginine (L-Arg)/Nitric Oxide (NO) system is involved in the pathophysiology of relevant Obstetric conditions. This review aims at summarizing the effects of L-Arg... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/AIM OF THE STUDY
L-Arginine (L-Arg)/Nitric Oxide (NO) system is involved in the pathophysiology of relevant Obstetric conditions. This review aims at summarizing the effects of L-Arg supplementation in pregnancy looking at safety and efficacy.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed for studies published from inception to September 2022. The search included human and animal studies where L-Arg was supplemented pre-conceptionally or during pregnancy, by either oral or intravenous route. The main perinatal outcomes were focused.
RESULTS
Among 1028 publications, 51 studies were eligible for inclusion, 25 were performed in women, and the remnant in animals. Compared to controls/placebo, the supplementation with L-Arg reduced the development of pre-eclampsia (four studies), decreased blood pressure, and reduced the need for antihypertensive drugs in women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP, eight studies). In women carrying growth retarded fetuses, L-Arg improved fetoplacental circulation, birth weight and neonatal outcomes (five studies), while in the case of threatened preterm birth, L-Arg reduced uterine contractions (two studies). In several animal species, L-Arg supplementation in pregnancy improved reproductive performance by increasing the litter number and size. Moreover, in pre-eclamptic and metabolic syndrome experimental models, maternal hypertension and fetal growth were improved.
CONCLUSION
L-Arg displays biological activities in pregnancies complicated by HDP and growth restriction, both in women and animal models. L-Arg administration is safe and could be a candidate as an intervention beneficial to maternal and fetal outcomes, at least in moderate clinical disorders.
Topics: Pregnancy; Animals; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Premature Birth; Dietary Supplements; Pre-Eclampsia; Fetus; Arginine
PubMed: 37258415
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2217465 -
Zeitschrift Fur Geburtshilfe Und... Feb 2024COVID-19 pregnancies are associated with increased rates of premature delivery and stillbirths. It is still a matter of debate whether there is a COVID-19-associated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
COVID-19 pregnancies are associated with increased rates of premature delivery and stillbirths. It is still a matter of debate whether there is a COVID-19-associated pattern of placenta pathology. We updated our previously published results on a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 pregnancies. In total, 38 reports on 3677 placentas were evaluated regarding histopathological changes. Maternal vascular malperfusion (32%), fetal vascular malperfusion (19%), acute and chronic inflammation (20% and 22%) were frequent pathologies. In non-COVID-19 pregnancies, placentas show similar histologic patterns and mainly similar frequencies of manifestation. It has to be taken into account that there might be an observation bias, because some findings are diagnosed as a "pathology" that might have been classified as minor or unspecific findings in non-COVID-19 placentas. COVID-19 placentitis occurs in 1-2% of cases at the most. In conclusion, this updated meta-analysis indicates that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not result in an increased rate of a specific placenta pathology and COVID-19 placentitis is rare.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Placenta; COVID-19; Placenta Diseases; Premature Birth; Chorioamnionitis; Stillbirth
PubMed: 38330958
DOI: 10.1055/a-2220-7469 -
Blood Advances Feb 2024Advancements in orally bioavailable iron chelators and MRI methods have improved life expectancy and reproductive potential in thalassemia major (TM) and thalassemia... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Advancements in orally bioavailable iron chelators and MRI methods have improved life expectancy and reproductive potential in thalassemia major (TM) and thalassemia intermedia (TI). Pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, frequency of which has not been well delineated. This systematic review aims to provide risk estimates of maternal and fetal outcomes in TM and TI and explore pregnancy's impact on iron homeostasis. Fifteen studies (429 participants, 684 pregnancies) were included. Meta-analysis revealed a higher thrombosis risk in TI (3.7%) compared to TM (0.92%), unchanged from prepregnancy. Heart failure risks in the earlier years appeared similar (TM 1.6% vs TI 1.1%), and maternal mortality in TM was 3.7%, but with current management, these risks are rare. Gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia occurred in 3.9% and 11.3% of TM pregnancies, respectively. Caesarean section rates were 83.9% in TM and 67% in TI. No significant difference in stillbirth, small for gestational age neonates, or preterm birth incidence between TM and TI was observed. In TM pregnancies, red cell requirements significantly increased (from 102 to 139 ml/kg/year, P = 0.001), and 70% of TI pregnancies required blood transfusions. As expected, increased transfusion alongside chelation cessation led to a significant increase in serum ferritin during pregnancy (TM by 1005 ng/mL; TI by 332 ng/mL, P < 0.0001). Deterioration in iron status was further reflected by an increase in liver iron concentration (from 4.6 to 11.9 mg/g dry weight, P < 0.0001), and myocardial T2-star (T2∗) magnetic resonance imaging decreased (from 36.2 ± 2.5 ms to 31.1 ms) during pregnancy. These findings emphasize the elevated maternal risk of iron-related cardiomyopathy during pregnancy and labor, stressing the importance of cardiac monitoring and postpartum chelation therapy resumption.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Female; beta-Thalassemia; Iron; Pregnancy Outcome; Cesarean Section; Premature Birth
PubMed: 38181780
DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011636