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Journal of Ovarian Research Jan 2024Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as the most prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. While the utilization of assisted reproductive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Association between maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing assisted reproductive technology and pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as the most prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. While the utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has resulted in favorable outcomes for infertility treatment in PCOS patients, the inherent pathophysiological features of the condition give rise to complications and consequences during pregnancy and delivery for both the mother and offspring. This study was to assess the correlation between maternal PCOS and various pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes undergone ART.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane Library to identify observational studies that investigated the association between PCOS and the risk of various pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertension in pregnancy (PIH), preeclampsia (PE), preterm birth, abortion, congenital malformations (CA), small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), low birth weight (LBW), macrosomia, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and birth weight. Eligible studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager and Stata software, with odds ratios (ORs) or mean difference (MD), confidence intervals (CIs), and heterogeneity (I) being calculated. The search was conducted up to March 2023.
RESULTS
A total of 33 studies with a combined sample size of 92,810 participants were identified. The findings indicate that PCOS is significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM (OR 1.51, 95% CI:1.17-1.94), PIH (OR 1.72, 95% CI:1.25-2.39), PE (OR 2.12, 95% CI:1.49-3.02), preterm birth (OR 1.29, 95% CI:1.21-1.39), and LBW (OR 1.29, 95% CI:1.14-1.47). In subgroup analyses, the risks of GDM (OR 1.80, 95% CI:1.23-2.62) and abortion (OR 1.41, 95% CI:1.08-1.84) were elevated in fresh embryo transferred (ET) subgroup, whereas elevated risk of PE (OR 1.82, 95% CI:1.17-2.83) and preterm birth (OR 1.31, 95% CI:1.21-1.42) was identified in frozen ET subgroup. Whatever with or without hyperandrogenism, patients with PCOS had a higher risk in preterm birth (OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.31-2.18; OR 1.24, 95% CI:1.02-1.50) and abortion (OR 1.38, 95% CI:1.12-1.71; OR 1.23, 95% CI:1.06-1.43).
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that individuals with PCOS undergone ART are at a notably elevated risk for experiencing pregnancy complications and unfavorable neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, to establish a definitive association between PCOS and pregnancy-related outcomes, it is necessary to conduct extensive prospective, blinded cohort studies and effectively control for confounding variables.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Embryo Transfer; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Premature Birth; Prospective Studies; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 38184624
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01331-x -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Apr 2024To show the impact of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) on maternal and fetal outcomes following pregnancy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To show the impact of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) on maternal and fetal outcomes following pregnancy.
METHODS
We performed a literature search based on PubMed, Web of science, Wan fang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and ProQuest databases from 1 January 2007 to 6 November 2022. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Trial sequential analyses were performed by TSA 0.9.
RESULTS
Nine studies with 2341 patients and 2472 pregnancies with SS were included in our analysis. This current analysis showed pregnancy hypertension and preeclampsia/eclampsia to be significantly higher in pregnant women with SS compared to pregnant women without SS (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.04-2.63; P = 0.03), (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.16-3.65; P = 0.01) respectively. Cesarean section, thromboembolic disease, premature rupture of membranes, and spontaneous abortion were also significantly higher in the SS women with OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.48-2.88; P < 0.0001, OR: 9.45, 95% CI: 1.99-44.87; P = 0.005, OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.13-1.64; P = 0.001, OR: 9.30, 95% CI: 4.13-20.93; P < 0.00001, respectively. Significantly higher premature births were observed with infants who were born from SS mothers (OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.54-3.12; P < 0.0001). Infants defined as 'small for gestational age/intrauterine growth restriction' and 'weighing < 2500 g' were also significantly higher in patients suffering from SS (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.38-3.70; P = 0.001), (OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.39-10.61; P = 0.009) respectively. In addition, live birth significantly favored infants who were born from mothers without SS (OR: 21.53, 95% CI: 8.36-55.44; P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis by sample size revealed that pregnancy hypertension risk has significantly increased in small cohort (OR: 2.74, 95%CI: 1.45-5.18), and a slight increase was found in population-based studies (OR: 1.14, 95%CI: 0.91-1.43). In both small cohorts and population-based researches, cesarean section was significantly higher in SS (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.52; OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.29-2.64, respectively). The number of infants with intrauterine growth restriction did not grow in the population-based researches (OR: 2.07, 95%CI: 0.92-4.66) although there has been an increase in small reports (OR: 2.53, 95%CI: 1.16-5.51). Subgroup analysis was conducted on the basis of study location (not Asian vs. Asian countries) indicated that cesarean section was significantly higher in SS in both countries (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.31-2.18; OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 2.39-4.77, respectively).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis has shown SS to have a high impact on maternal and fetal outcomes following pregnancy.
Topics: Infant; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Fetal Growth Retardation; Cesarean Section; Sjogren's Syndrome; Premature Birth; Pre-Eclampsia; Hypertension
PubMed: 37921880
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07259-3 -
Nutrition & Diabetes May 2024Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with several adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
BACKGROUND
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with several adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the effects of vitamin D deficiency and of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy on maternal and offspring health-related outcomes.
METHODS
Prior to conducting this umbrella review, we registered the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42022368003). We conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on vitamin D in pregnancy, from database inception to October 2, 2023. All outcomes related to vitamin D in pregnancy obtained from the systematic reviews and meta-analyses were extracted.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently chose studies and collected information on health outcomes. The quality of the included articles' methodology was assessed using AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2).
RESULTS
We identified 16 eligible systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which included 250,569 women. Our results demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of preterm birth, small-for gestational age/low birth weight infants, recurrent miscarriage, bacterial vaginosis and gestational diabetes mellitus. Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy increases birth weight, and reduces the risk of maternal pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, and vitamin D deficiency, fetal or neonatal mortality, as well as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder in childhood. In women with gestational diabetes mellitus, vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy can reduce the risk of maternal hyperbilirubinemia, polyhydramnios, macrosomia, fetal distress, and neonatal hospitalization.
CONCLUSION
Due to the association with adverse maternal and offspring health outcomes, we recommend the vitamin D status in pregnancy should be monitored, particularly in women at high risk of vitamin D deficiency. It is suggested that pregnant women take a dose of >400 IU/day of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy to prevent certain adverse outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin D; Pregnancy Complications; Dietary Supplements; Pregnancy Outcome; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Infant, Newborn; Premature Birth
PubMed: 38816412
DOI: 10.1038/s41387-024-00296-0 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Jan 2024Tularemia is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. Although rare, tularemia during pregnancy has been associated with pregnancy complications;...
BACKGROUND
Tularemia is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. Although rare, tularemia during pregnancy has been associated with pregnancy complications; data on efficacy of recommended antimicrobials for treatment are limited. We performed a systematic literature review to characterize clinical manifestations of tularemia during pregnancy and examine maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes with and without antimicrobial treatment.
METHODS
We searched 9 databases, including Medline, Embase, Global Health, and PubMed Central, using terms related to tularemia and pregnancy. Articles reporting cases of tularemia with ≥1 maternal or fetal outcome were included.
RESULTS
Of 5891 articles identified, 30 articles describing 52 cases of tularemia in pregnant patients met inclusion criteria. Cases were reported from 9 countries, and oropharyngeal and ulceroglandular tularemia were the most common presenting forms. A plurality (46%) of infections occurred in the second trimester. Six complications were observed: lymph node aspiration, lymph node excision, maternal bleeding, spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal demise, and preterm birth. No deaths among mothers were reported. Of 28 patients who received antimicrobial treatment, 1 pregnancy loss and 1 fetal death were reported. Among 24 untreated patients, 1 pregnancy loss and 3 fetal deaths were reported, including one where F. tularensis was detected in placental and fetal tissues.
CONCLUSIONS
Pregnancy loss and other complications have been reported among cases of tularemia during pregnancy. However, risk of adverse outcomes may be lower when antimicrobials known to be effective are used. Without treatment, transplacental transmission appears possible. These data underscore the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of tularemia during pregnancy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Tularemia; Premature Birth; Placenta; Francisella tularensis; Abortion, Spontaneous; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 38294114
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad686 -
Thyroid : Official Journal of the... Apr 2024Subclinical hypothyroidism, defined by elevated thyrotropin (TSH) and normal free thyroxine levels, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effects of Levothyroxine Treatment on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes in Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Subclinical hypothyroidism, defined by elevated thyrotropin (TSH) and normal free thyroxine levels, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, and small for gestational age. Despite the uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment on pregnancy outcomes in subclinical hypothyroidism, LT4 is widely administered with a pre-treatment threshold TSH level of 2.5 mU/L. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of periconceptional LT4 treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism, including TSH levels >2.5 mU/L, and identify the characteristics of subclinical hypothyroidism that can benefit from LT4 treatment. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials from inception to February 2023. We analyzed the pooled effects of LT4 on subclinical hypothyroidism before and during pregnancy. The main outcomes before pregnancy were live birth, pregnancy, and miscarriage. The main outcomes during pregnancy were live birth, miscarriage, and preterm birth. We conducted subgroup analyses to compare the effects of LT4 on subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH levels of 2.5-4.0 and >4.0 mU/L. Of the 888 studies identified, 27 full-text articles were screened for eligibility. Five studies on pre-conception treatment with 768 participants and eight studies on treatment during early pregnancy with 2622 participants were analyzed. One of the two studies on pre-conception treatment in subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH >4.0 mU/L had high risk of bias and the other was composed of 64 participants. Pre-conception LT4 treatment had no significant effect in improving rates of live births and pregnancies, or reducing miscarriages (risk ratio [RR], 95% confidence interval): 1.41 (0.84-2.36), 1.73 (0.88-3.39), and 0.46 (0.11-2.00), respectively. LT4 treatment during pregnancy was not significantly associated with higher rates of live births (RR 1.03, 0.98-1.09) nor decreased miscarriage rates (RR 1.01, 0.66-1.53). The effect of LT4 treatment on preterm birth during pregnancy was significantly different depending on the TSH values ( = 0.04); a positive effect was shown in the subclinical hypothyroidism subgroup with TSH >4.0 mU/L (RR 0.47, 0.20-1.10), while no significant effect was observed in the subgroup with TSH 2.5-4.0 mU/L (RR 1.35, 0.79-2.31). Pre-conceptional LT4 treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism does not improve fertility or decrease the incidence of miscarriages. However, further well-designed studies are needed for pre-conceptional treatment, especially in TSH >4.0 mU/L. LT4 treatment during pregnancy had a positive effect on preterm birth; nevertheless, this was only applicable to subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH >4.0 mU/L.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Thyroxine; Abortion, Spontaneous; Premature Birth; Pregnancy Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Hypothyroidism; Thyrotropin; Fertility
PubMed: 38368537
DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0546 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Sep 2023To evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes of removal versus retention of cervical cerclage after premature preterm rupture of membranes (pPROM). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes of removal versus retention of cervical cerclage after premature preterm rupture of membranes (pPROM).
STUDY DESIGN
Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched electronically on February 2023 utilizing combinations of the relevant medical subject heading (MeSH) terms, keywords, and word variants that were considered suitable for the topic. Either prospective or retrospective trials were considered suitable for the inclusion. The coprimary outcome of this study were pregnancy latency >7 days from pPROM and pregnancy latency >48 h from pPROM. Random effect head to-head meta-analyses were performed to directly compare each outcome, expressing the results as summary odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes and as mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes, plus relative 95% confidence interval (CI). Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
Six studies involving a total of 377 women (169 in the "removal" and 208 in the "retention" group) were included. The rate of pregnancy prolongation >48 h was significantly lower in the removal compared to retention group (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.07-0.31; p < 0.0001), as well as the rate of pregnancy prolongation >7 days (OR 0.30 95% CI 0.11-0.83; p = 0.02) and pregnancy latency expressed in days (MD -2.84 days, 95% CI -5.40 to -0.29; p = 0.03). The rate of chorioamnionitis was significantly lower in the removal compared to the retention group (OR 0.57 95% CI 0.34-0.96p = 0.03) as was the rate of Apgar score < 7 at 5 min (OR 0.22 95% CI 0.08-0.56; p = 0.002). There was no difference between removal and retention groups for all the other maternal and perinatal outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
The decision whether to remove or retain cerclage in case of pPROM should balance the prematurity-related risks with that of infectious complications, thus highlighting the need for tailored management based on gestational age at occurrence of pPROM.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Cerclage, Cervical; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth
PubMed: 37481990
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.07.006 -
The Lancet. Respiratory Medicine Apr 2024Exposure to household air pollution from polluting domestic fuel (solid fuel and kerosene) represents a substantial global public health burden and there is an urgent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Estimated health effects from domestic use of gaseous fuels for cooking and heating in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analyses.
BACKGROUND
Exposure to household air pollution from polluting domestic fuel (solid fuel and kerosene) represents a substantial global public health burden and there is an urgent need for rapid transition to clean domestic fuels. Gas for cooking and heating might possibly affect child asthma, wheezing, and respiratory health. The aim of this review was to synthesise the evidence on the health effects of gaseous fuels to inform policies for scalable clean household energy.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we summarised the health effects from cooking or heating with gas compared with polluting fuels (eg, wood or charcoal) and clean energy (eg, electricity and solar energy). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Environment Complete, GreenFile, Google Scholar, Wanfang DATA, and CNKI for articles published between Dec 16, 2020, and Feb 6, 2021. Studies eligible for inclusion had to compare gas for cooking or heating with polluting fuels (eg, wood or charcoal) or clean energy (eg, electricity or solar energy) and present data for health outcomes in general populations. Studies that reported health outcomes that were exacerbations of existing underlying conditions were excluded. Several of our reviewers were involved in screening studies, data extraction, and quality assessment (including risk of bias) of included studies; 20% of studies were independently screened, extracted and quality assessed by another reviewer. Disagreements were reconciled through discussion with the wider review team. Included studies were appraised for quality using the Liverpool Quality Assessment Tools. Key health outcomes were grouped for meta-analysis and analysed using Cochrane's RevMan software. Primary outcomes were health effects (eg, acute lower respiratory infections) and secondary outcomes were health symptoms (eg, respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, cough, or breathlessness). This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021227092.
FINDINGS
116 studies were included in the meta-analysis (two [2%] randomised controlled trials, 13 [11%] case-control studies, 23 [20%] cohort studies, and 78 [67%] cross-sectional studies), contributing 215 effect estimates for five grouped health outcomes. Compared with polluting fuels, use of gas significantly lowered the risk of pneumonia (OR 0·54, 95% CI 0·38-0·77; p=0·00080), wheeze (OR 0·42, 0·30-0·59; p<0·0001), cough (OR 0·44, 0·32-0·62; p<0·0001), breathlessness (OR 0·40, 0·21-0·76; p=0·0052), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 0·37, 0·23-0·60; p<0·0001), bronchitis (OR 0·60, 0·43-0·82; p=0·0015), pulmonary function deficit (OR 0·27, 0·17-0·44; p<0·0001), severe respiratory illness or death (OR 0·27, 0·11-0·63; p=0·0024), preterm birth (OR 0·66, 0·45-0·97; p=0·033), and low birth weight (OR 0·70, 0·53-0·93; p=0·015). Non-statistically significant effects were observed for asthma in children (OR 1·04, 0·70-1·55; p=0·84), asthma in adults (OR 0·65, 0·43-1·00; p=0·052), and small for gestational age (OR 1·04, 0·89-1·21; p=0·62). Compared with electricity, use of gas significantly increased risk of pneumonia (OR 1·26, 1·03-1·53; p=0·025) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1·15, 1·06-1·25; p=0·0011), although smaller non-significant effects were observed for higher-quality studies. In addition, a small increased risk of asthma in children was not significant (OR 1·09, 0·99-1·19; p=0·071) and no significant associations were found for adult asthma, wheeze, cough, and breathlessness (p>0·05). A significant decreased risk of bronchitis was observed (OR 0·87, 0·81-0·93; p<0·0001).
INTERPRETATION
Switching from polluting fuels to gaseous household fuels could lower health risk and associated morbidity and mortality in resource-poor countries where reliance on polluting fuels is greatest. Although gas fuel use was associated with a slightly higher risk for some health outcomes compared with electricity, gas is an important transitional option for health in countries where access to reliable electricity supply for cooking or heating is not feasible in the near term.
FUNDING
WHO.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Adult; Child; Female; Humans; Air Pollution, Indoor; Heating; Cross-Sectional Studies; Charcoal; Premature Birth; Asthma; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Cooking; Dyspnea; Cough; Bronchitis; Pneumonia
PubMed: 38310914
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(23)00427-7 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Oct 2023Evidence for progestogen maintenance therapy after an episode of preterm labour (PTL) is contradictory. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Evidence for progestogen maintenance therapy after an episode of preterm labour (PTL) is contradictory.
OBJECTIVES
To assess effectiveness of progestogen maintenance therapy after an episode of PTL.
SEARCH STRATEGY
An electronic search in Central Cochrane, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline and clinical trial databases was performed.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCT) investigating women between 16 and 37 weeks of gestation with an episode of PTL who were treated with progestogen maintenance therapy compared with a control group.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. The primary outcome was latency time in days. Secondary neonatal and maternal outcomes are consistent with the core outcome set for preterm birth studies. Studies were extensively assessed for data trustworthiness (integrity) and risk of bias.
MAIN RESULTS
Thirteen RCT (1722 women) were included. Progestogen maintenance therapy demonstrated a longer latency time of 4.32 days compared with controls (mean difference [MD] 4.32, 95% CI 0.40-8.24) and neonates were born with a higher birthweight (MD 124.25 g, 95% CI 8.99-239.51). No differences were found for other perinatal outcomes. However, when analysing studies with low risk of bias only (five RCT, 591 women), a significantly longer latency time could not be shown (MD 2.44 days; 95% CI -4.55 to 9.42).
CONCLUSIONS
Progestogen maintenance therapy after PTL might have a modest effect on prolongation of latency time. When analysing low risk of bias studies only, this effect was not demonstrated. Validation through further research, preferably by an individual patient data meta-analysis is highly recommended.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Progestins; Tocolytic Agents; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Premature Birth; Birth Weight
PubMed: 37077041
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17499 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Apr 2024This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on probiotic administration during pregnancy for the prevention of preeclampsia and its effects on related... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on probiotic administration during pregnancy for the prevention of preeclampsia and its effects on related maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
Six databases were systematically searched for eligible studies, namely Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Global Index Medicus, and the Maternity and Infant Care Database, from inception to August 2, 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of probiotic administration on women during any stage of pregnancy were eligible for inclusion.
METHODS
The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under identifier CRD42023421613. Evaluating study eligibility, extracting data, assessing risk of bias (ROB-2 tool), and rating certainty (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) were conducted independently by 2 authors. The primary outcomes were incidence of preeclampsia, eclampsia, and maternal mortality. A meta-analysis was performed, and the results were reported as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS
A total of 29 trials (7735 pregnant women) met the eligibility criteria. There was heterogeneity across the trials in the population of enrolled women and the type of probiotic tested (20 different strains), although most used oral administration. Probiotics may make no difference to the risk of preeclampsia (risk ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.53; 11 trials; 2401 women; low certainty evidence), preterm birth at <37 weeks' gestation (risk ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.30; 18 trials, 4016 women; low certainty evidence), or gestational age at delivery (mean difference, -0.03 weeks [≈0.2 days]; 95% confidence interval, -0.16 to 0.10 weeks [≈ -1.1 to 0.7 days]; 13 trials, 2194 women; low certainty evidence). It is difficult to assess the effects of probiotics on other secondary outcomes because the evidence was of very low certainty, however, no benefits or harms were observed.
CONCLUSION
Limited evidence suggests that probiotic supplementation does not affect the risk for preeclampsia. Further high-quality trials are needed to definitively assess the benefits and possible harms of probiotic supplementation during pregnancy. There is also a lack of data from trials that included women who were undernourished or who experienced microbial dysbiosis and for whom probiotic supplementation might be useful.
Topics: Humans; Probiotics; Pregnancy; Pre-Eclampsia; Female; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Maternal Mortality; Premature Birth
PubMed: 38447676
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101322 -
BMC Oral Health Oct 2023Oral conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis are correlated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight. Oral...
BACKGROUND
Oral conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis are correlated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight. Oral health-related unfavourable beliefs can have negative influences on oral health behaviours including hesitation in accessing preventative dental treatments and dental service utilization. The objective of this systematic review was to examine unfavourable beliefs that expectant or new mothers frequently hold about oral health and the safety of dental care during pregnancy.
METHODS
An electronic database search on PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and MEDLINE (Ovid) followed by forward and backward citation tracing of the included studies was conducted. All English primary studies regardless of the year of publication were independently screened by two reviewers to identify studies addressing unfavourable beliefs about oral health and dental care during pregnancy. The CLARITY tool was applied to assess the risk of bias in the included studies.
RESULTS
Out of a total of 5766 records, 39 quantitative and six qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. The commonly held unfavourable beliefs were regarding the safety of dental services utilization and dental treatment procedures, the adverse impacts of pregnancy on oral health, and oral hygiene necessity during pregnancy. The most discussed unfavourable beliefs included "pregnant women lose their teeth because of pregnancy" (n = 18), "dental treatments are not safe and harm the fetus" (n = 17), and "the developing baby absorbs calcium from the mother's teeth" (n = 14).
CONCLUSIONS
Unfavourable beliefs about oral health and dental care utilization are common among pregnant women and new mothers. The literature suggests that a low level of oral health knowledge and seeking information from social networks can contribute to such beliefs. This has implications for health promotion.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Oral Health; Premature Birth; Pregnant Women; Pregnancy Outcome; Dental Care
PubMed: 37840149
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03439-4