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The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023Maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy has been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, such as prematurity and neonatal morbidity. Those adverse events are...
OBJECTIVE
Maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy has been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, such as prematurity and neonatal morbidity. Those adverse events are mainly attributed to maternal factors, rather than to the neonatal infection itself. Our aim is to add our experience and present the neonatal outcome of neonates born to mothers with perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection.
METHODS
This is a prospective case-control study with data from two Academic Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Greece. Electronic records of all births from SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers between March 2020 and April 2021 were analyzed. Demographic data, the severity of maternal COVID-19 disease, gestational age (GA), mode of delivery, birth weight (BW), need for resuscitation and/or supplemental oxygen and duration of hospitalization were recorded. A comparison with 2:1 matched neonates according to sex, GA, and BW born to SARS-CoV-2 negative mothers during the same period was performed. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney test were used for categorical and non-categorical variables respectively.
RESULTS
A total of eighty-one neonates were born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers during this period. Forty-three percent of pregnant mothers were asymptomatic. Median GA and median BW were 38 weeks (Interquantile range (IQR): 36-39 weeks) and 2940 gr (IQR: 2560-3340 gr) respectively. Prematurity was observed in 24.7% of the cases. Only 2 (2.4%) neonates were PCR positive after delivery. SARS-CoV-2 positive women were more likely to undergo Cesarean section. APGAR score at 5 min and the need for resuscitation did not differ between the two groups. In comparison with the control group, neonates born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers presented with gastrointestinal symptoms (53.6% vs 5.1%, -value= <.001) and hospitalization was longer, mostly due to maternal factors.
CONCLUSION
In our study neonatal positivity was limited and no vertical transmission was noted. Neonatal outcomes were comparable to the control group. However, the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in neonates born to PCR-positive women compared to controls needs further investigation.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Cesarean Section; COVID-19; Case-Control Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Parturition; Birth Weight
PubMed: 36852423
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2183752 -
Scientific Reports May 2024A variety of factors can predispose newborns to have a low Apgar score after delivery. Identification of the determinants of low Apgar scores is an important first step...
A variety of factors can predispose newborns to have a low Apgar score after delivery. Identification of the determinants of low Apgar scores is an important first step to take to apply the necessary precautions. This study aimed to identify the determinants of low fifth-minute Apgar score after a Cesarean section. An institutional-based case-control study was conducted among mothers who deliver their newborns by Cesarean section in Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia, from July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022. Data were collected from 70 cases and 140 controls using a semi-structured checklist. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select both charts of mothers with cases and controls. Charts of mothers with newborns Apgar score less than 7 were considered as cases; whereas a similar group of charts of mothers with newborns with fifth-minute Apgar score greater than or equal to 7 were categorized as control. Descriptive statistics and bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to describe the mothers and newborns and identify determinants of the fifth-minute low Apgar score, respectively. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to declare the determinant factors, and the statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. In total, 140 controls and 70 cases of mothers charts were enrolled in this study. The Mean ± SD age of mothers of cases and controls were 26.9 ± 4.9 and 27.06 ± 4.1 years, respectively. General anaesthesia (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.9 ‒ 9.3), rural residence (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI, 1.7‒8.1), low birth weight (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.3‒7.8), and emergency Cesarean section (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2 ‒ 5.8) were identified determinant factors of low fifth minute Apgar score. A fifth-minute low Apgar score was significantly associated with newborns delivered through emergency Cesarean section, low birth weight, rural residence, and delivered from mothers who had undergone Cesarean section under general anaesthesia.
Topics: Humans; Cesarean Section; Ethiopia; Apgar Score; Female; Infant, Newborn; Adult; Pregnancy; Case-Control Studies; Young Adult; Male; Risk Factors; Odds Ratio
PubMed: 38816451
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62223-8 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open Dec 2023Dexamethasone is widely used as a systemic corticosteroid to treat and prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. We evaluated the current epidemiology...
BACKGROUND
Dexamethasone is widely used as a systemic corticosteroid to treat and prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. We evaluated the current epidemiology of dexamethasone use to prevent BPD and analyse the factors associated with the response to dexamethasone in very low birthweight infants using a nationwide database.
METHODS
We included very low birthweight infants born between January 2013 and December 2020 with a gestational age of 23-31 weeks using data from the Korean Neonatal Network registry. Patients were grouped based on their dexamethasone use into 'Dex' or 'No Dex' groups. Clinical variables and data were collected, and the annual trends of dexamethasone use and the proportion of patients who received dexamethasone according to gestational age were analysed. Respiratory outcomes were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyse factors associated with the response to dexamethasone in BPD.
RESULTS
Of 11 261 eligible infants, 2313 (20.5%) received dexamethasone, and 1714 (74.1%) of them were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe BPD. The 8-year annual prevalence of dexamethasone use was 17.7-22.3%. The 'Dex' group had more moderate-to-severe BPD, more frequent invasive ventilation use at a postmenstrual age of 36 weeks and longer ventilator duration. Birth weight, 5-minute APGAR score, pulmonary hypertension within the first 28 days, surgical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus, medical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus, pathological chorioamnionitis, hydrocortisone or budesonide use, surgical management of necrotising enterocolitis and fungal sepsis were associated with BPD after dexamethasone use.
CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 20.5% of preterm infants received dexamethasone, and the frequency increased as gestational age decreased. Poor response to dexamethasone was associated with antenatal and postnatal inflammation, low birth weight and early pulmonary hypertension.
Topics: Infant; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Infant, Premature; Dexamethasone; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Cohort Studies; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
PubMed: 38114242
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002302 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2023To analyze survival and morbidity among very preterm infants (VPIs) in Shenzhen and explore factors associated with survival without major morbidity.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze survival and morbidity among very preterm infants (VPIs) in Shenzhen and explore factors associated with survival without major morbidity.
METHODS
Between January 2022 and December 2022, 797 infants were admitted to 25 neonatal intensive care units in Shenzhen with gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks, excluded discharged against medical advice, insufficient information, and congenital malformation, 742 VPIs were included. Comparison of maternal and neonate characteristics, morbidities, survival, and survival without major morbidities between groups used Mann Whitney test and test, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze of risk factors of survival without major morbidities.
RESULTS
The median GA was 29.86 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 28.0-31.04), and the median birth weight was 1,250 g (IQR, 900-1,500). Of the 797 VPIs, 721 (90.46%) survived, 53.52% (38 of 71) at 25 weeks' or less GA, 86.78% (105 of 121) at 26 to 27 weeks' GA, 91.34% (211 of 230) at 28 to 29 weeks' GA, 97.86% (367 of 375) at 30 to 31 weeks' GA. The incidences of the major morbidities were moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia,16.52% (113 of 671); severe intraventricular hemorrhage and/or periventricular leukomalacia, 2.49% (17 of 671); severe necrotizing enterocolitis, 2.63% (18 of 671); sepsis, 2.34% (16 of 671); and severe retinopathy of prematurity, 4.55% (27 of 593), 65.79% (450 of 671) survived without major morbidities. After adjustment for GA, birth weight, and 5-min Apgar score, antenatal steroid administration (OR = 2.397), antenatal magnesium sulfate administration (OR = 1.554) were the positivity factors to survival without major morbidity of VPIs, however, surfactant therapy (OR = 0.684,), and delivery room resuscitation (OR = 0.626) that were the negativity factors.
CONCLUSIONS
The present results indicate that survival and the incidence of survival without major morbidities increased with GA. Further, antenatal administration of steroids and magnesium sulfate, surfactant therapy, and delivery room resuscitation were pronounced determinants of survival without morbidities.
PubMed: 38464983
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1298173 -
AJOG Global Reports Nov 2023Low birthweight resulting from preterm birth or fetal growth restriction is associated with poor neurocognitive development and child psychopathology affecting school...
BACKGROUND
Low birthweight resulting from preterm birth or fetal growth restriction is associated with poor neurocognitive development and child psychopathology affecting school performance and educational success. Prediction of developmental performance may therefore serve as a basis for early intervention strategies to improve educational success and mental health of our children in a timely manner.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the predictive capacity of morphometric variables taken at birth and that of obstetrical risk factors to predict developmental performance at 4.3 (standard deviation, 0.8) years preschool age. We examined Total psychomotor development score, Developmental disability index, Morphometric vitality index, and Intelligence quotient, Maze test, and Neurologic examination optimality score in a large prospective screening (cranial ultrasound screening, n=5,301) and validation cohort (n=508,926).
STUDY DESIGN
In a single-center cohort observational study design (data collection done from 1984-1988, analysis done in 2022), a prospective cranial ultrasound screening study (1984-1988) was carried out on 5,301 live-born infants, including 571 (10.8%) preterm infants (≤36 weeks gestation), on the day of discharge of the mother at 5 to 8 days postpartum from a level 3 perinatal center. Predicted psychomotor development as assessed by Total psychomotor development score, Developmental disability index, Morphometric vitality index, and Intelligence quotient, Maze test, and Neurologic examination optimality score, was calculated. We related growth variables and obstetrical risk factors to Psychomotor development indices, and calculated Morphometric vitality index using odds ratios, receiver operating characteristics, analysis of variance, and multivariate analysis of variance.
RESULTS
The key result of our study is the observation that simple morphometric measures from newborns at birth like weight/head circumference ratio predict overall psychomotor development at 4.3 years (standard deviation, 0.8) of preschool age. Psychomotor development was assessed by Total psychomotor development score, Intelligence quotient, Maze test, and Neurologic examination optimality score, and related to weight/head circumference ratio in linear regression (<.001) and ROC curve analyses (<.001). Further, white matter damage strongly predicted adverse outcome in Developmental disability index (<.001). There was also a close correlation between Morphometric vitality index and Developmental disability index (<.001). Finally, brain body weight ratio, weight/head circumference ratio, preterm birth, reduced Apgar at 10 minutes, weight/length ratio, and white matter damage yielded highest odds ratios for adverse outcome in Total psychomotor development score and in Developmental disability index (<.001) and high effect sizes in reduced Intelligence quotient, Maze test, and Neurologic examination optimality scores.
CONCLUSION
Simple morphometric data, birth variables, and obstetrical risk factors bear predictive capacity for neurocognitive performance in children at 4.3 years (standard deviation, 0.8) of age and hence provide a basis for parental consultation and early intervention to improve school performance, educational success, and mental health in developed and developing countries.
PubMed: 37719644
DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100219 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2023Due to better career opportunities for women and a shift in sex roles, as well as improved reproductive medicine, the age of women who conceive children is rising. A...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Due to better career opportunities for women and a shift in sex roles, as well as improved reproductive medicine, the age of women who conceive children is rising. A variety of maternal risks and complications that may occur during pregnancy or childbirth in women with advanced maternal age has been examined and reported controversial results. The present study focused on controversial and debatable conclusions regarding the impact of advanced maternal age on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Data from 8,523 patients, who gave singleton birth at the Women's University Hospital Cologne between 2014 and 2018, were subdivided into two groups: those with maternal age ≥40 years and those <40, and analyzed.
RESULTS
A significantly higher rate of C-section, more preterm births, more low birth weight, and higher incidence of retained placenta were observed in women older than or equal to 40. There were no significant differences regarding postpartum hemorrhage and fetal position. Younger patients tend to have more birth injuries and use more epidural administration. The evaluation of neonatal outcomes using fetal base-excess, birth pH, and Apgar score showed no significant clinical differences.
CONCLUSION
More antenatal complications could be identified in patients with advanced maternal age. Nonetheless, the neonatal outcomes were comparable and no severe complications in women with advanced maternal age were observed. These findings are due to a well standardized management system for women with risk pregnancies. This encourages better monitoring and care of pregnant women with risk factors.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Child; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adult; Maternal Age; Delivery, Obstetric; Cesarean Section; Premature Birth; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 37369496
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13256 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023The optimal drug management strategy for severe hypertension during pregnancy remains inconclusive. Some randomized controlled trials found that oral nifedipine was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The optimal drug management strategy for severe hypertension during pregnancy remains inconclusive. Some randomized controlled trials found that oral nifedipine was more effective than intravenous labetalol in hypertensive emergencies during pregnancy, while others found otherwise. As a result, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of oral nifedipine versus intravenous labetalol for hypertensive emergencies during pregnancy. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials that compared oral nifedipine versus IV labetalol in hypertensive emergencies during pregnancy. 12 RCTs enrolling 1151 participants (573 in the labetalol group and 578 in the nifedipine group) were included in the meta-analysis. Patients who received oral nifedipine reached their target blood pressure more rapidly than those who received intravenous labetalol (MD 7.64, 95%CI 4.08-11.20, < .0001). The nifedipine group required fewer doses to achieve the target blood pressure (MD 0.62, 95%CI 0.36 to 0.88, < .00001). There were no meaningful differences on the maternal complications between the two groups, mainly including eclampsia (OR 1.51; 95% CI, 0.75-3.05; = .25), headache (OR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.52-1.44; = .57), nausea/vomiting (OR 1.50; 95% CI, 0.76-2.93; = .24), hypotension (OR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.12-1.99; = .32), dizziness (OR 2.01; 95% CI, 0.77-5.25; = .16), HELLP (OR 0.27; 95% CI, 0.05-1.64; = .16), palpitations (OR 0.63; 95% CI, 0.32-1.27; = .20), flushing (OR 0.77; 95%CI, 0.18-3.22; = .72). There were no significant difference in the neonatal complications, including NICU admission (OR 1.24; 95% CI, 0.87-1.77; = .23), 5 min Apgar score < 7 (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 0.82-1.39; = .63), neonatal deaths (OR 1.08; 95%CI, 0.66-1.76; = .77), FHR abnormality (OR 0.94; 95%CI, 0.47-1.88; = .86). In conclusion, oral nifedipine could achieve target blood pressure more rapidly and required fewer doses than intravenous labetalol in the management of hypertensive emergencies during pregnancy.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Labetalol; Nifedipine; Emergencies; Blood Pressure; Hypotension
PubMed: 37487762
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2235057 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2023We aimed to evaluate the association of pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with neonatal seizures during neonatal...
AIM
We aimed to evaluate the association of pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with neonatal seizures during neonatal hospitalization.
METHODS
In this nested case-control study, all data were collected from the data files of the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) 2016-2021. Considering the effect of confounders, we used the propensity-score matching (PSM; case:control = 1:4) method to select the study population. The outcome was considered the occurrence of neonatal seizures. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were adopted to assess the association of PGDM and GDM with neonatal seizures. We also conducted stratified analyses according to gestational age, birthweight, 5 min Apgar score, and maternal age to explore the potential disparities.
RESULTS
After using the PSM method, a total of 6,674 cases of neonatal seizures and 26,696 controls were included. After adjusting for covariates, PGDM was associated with an increased risk of neonatal seizures [odds ratio (OR) = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-1.98], whereas the association between GDM and neonatal seizures is not statistically significant. In addition, the correlation between PGDM and increased risk of neonatal seizures was observed in neonates with a gestational age of 37-42 weeks and ≥42 weeks, with a 5 min Apgar score of ≥7, and with a maternal age of ≤40 years.
CONCLUSION
PGDM was found to be closely associated with an increased risk of neonatal seizures. The findings of our study indicated that neonatologists should consider monitoring the incidence of neonatal seizures in neonates born to mothers with PGDM.
PubMed: 37520060
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1145443 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Sep 2023The group care is a well-established maternal care model that has been widely used in many developed countries, but in China, it is confined to prenatal care services.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The group care is a well-established maternal care model that has been widely used in many developed countries, but in China, it is confined to prenatal care services. In addition, affected by traditional birth culture, Chinese women tend to focus more on their fetuses and newborns but lack attention to their own intrapartum and postpartum care. The aim of this study was to construct and implement a prenatal, intrapartum, and the postpartum continuous group care model that combines online and offline service in Hainan Province, China, and to evaluate the effect on maternal women and newborns.
METHODS
This study was a randomized controlled trial involving 144 pregnant women in a first-class tertiary general hospital in Hainan Province, China. Women were divided into an intervention group and a control group using the random number table, with 72 women in each group. The control group received routine maternal care services, and the intervention group received the continuous group care based on the routine maternal care services. Count data such as rate of cesarean section and incidence rate of fetal macrosomia were analyzed with the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and the General Self-efficacy Scale scores were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant, with two-sided probability values.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, the rate of excessive prenatal weight gain, cesarean section, and 42-day postpartum depression were significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.05), and higher General Self-efficacy Scale scores (in the expectant period and 42 days postpartum) and exclusive breastfeeding rate (42 days postpartum) (P < 0.05). The incidence of fetal macrosomia was significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.05). But there was no significant difference in birth weight, preterm birth, the incidence of low-birth-weight infants and 1-min Apgar score (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The continuous group care with online and offline service can effectively control the gestational weight gain, reduce the rate of cesarean section, macrosomia, and postpartum depression. It can improve the self-efficacy of women and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding effectively.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Regestry (ChiCTR2200065765, 04/11/2022, Retrospectively registered).
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Infant; Female; Humans; Infant Health; Cesarean Section; Depression, Postpartum; Fetal Macrosomia; Premature Birth
PubMed: 37658338
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05882-1 -
The Medical Journal of Malaysia Nov 2023The study aims to evaluate and report on the clinical characteristics, incidence, risk factors and associated complications of emergency and planned peripartum...
INTRODUCTION
The study aims to evaluate and report on the clinical characteristics, incidence, risk factors and associated complications of emergency and planned peripartum hysterectomy in a single training and research tertiary health care centre in Malaysia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a 6-year retrospective cross-sectional study from the 1st January 2016 until 31st December 2021. Clinical, demographic characteristics, perioperative parameters, operative indications, blood loss, maternal/neonatal outcomes and complications were analysed. Patients were subdivided, analysed and studied in two subgroups- emergency hysterectomy (EH) and planned hysterectomy (PH).
RESULTS
There were 65 cases of peripartum hysterectomy out of total 100,567 deliveries, with a prevalence rate of 0.06%. Overall, the majority of patients were multiparous (96.9%), having previous caesarean scar (73.8%) or diagnosed with placenta praevia (75.4%). More than half of the total patients (61.5%) have both previous caesarean scar and concomitant placenta praevia. EH was carried out in 39(60%) patients while 26(40%) patients underwent PH. The only indication for surgery in the PH group (100%) was abnormal placentation while the most common indication for surgery in the EH group (53.8%) was postpartum haemorrhage related to abnormal placentation. Patients who underwent EH were more likely to have massive blood loss (p=0.001), require ICU admissions (p=0.001), have DIVC cycles transfused (mean [SD] regime: 1.35 [0.95] vs 0.54 [0.99]; p=0.002), have lower postoperative haemoglobin level (mean [standard deviation, SD] haemoglobin: 9.23g/l [SD1.8] vs. 10.8 g/l [SD1.86]; p=0.001) and have higher difference between pre/post operative haemoglobin level (mean [SD] haemoglobin difference: 1.78g/l [SD6.34] vs 0.32g/l [SD1.7]; p=0.008) compared to patients with PH. Red blood cell transfusion, operating time, length of stay, weight of babies and Apgar score between two groups showed no significant differences. A significant reduction of blood loss between the first and the second half duration of the study (mean [SD] blood loss: 6978 ml [SD 4999.45] vs. 4100ml [SD2569.48]; p=0.004) was also observed. In the emergency group, 'non-placental cause' EH required significantly more red blood cell transfusion than 'placental cause' (p<0.05) while in the PH group, no significant difference was observed between the occlusive internal iliac artery 'balloon' and 'no balloon' subgroup in terms of operating time, total blood loss or blood transfusion. Overall complications showed more cases of post operative fever and relaparotomy in the EH group (18.4% vs. 7.6%) while urinary tract injuries including injuries to bladder and ureter occurred only in the PH group (9.4% vs. 0%).
CONCLUSION
The majority of peripartum hysterectomy cases are due to placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Planned peripartum hysterectomies have a lower morbidity rate compared to emergency hysterectomies. Therefore, early identification of placenta accreta spectrum disorders and timely planning for elective procedures are crucial to minimise the need for emergency surgery.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Retrospective Studies; Placenta; Placenta Previa; Placenta Accreta; Peripartum Period; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cicatrix; Cesarean Section; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Tertiary Care Centers; Hysterectomy; Hemoglobins
PubMed: 38031217
DOI: No ID Found