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International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024The placenta plays a key role in several adverse obstetrical outcomes, such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and gestational diabetes mellitus. The early... (Review)
Review
The placenta plays a key role in several adverse obstetrical outcomes, such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and gestational diabetes mellitus. The early identification of at-risk pregnancies could significantly improve the management, therapy and prognosis of these pregnancies, especially if these at-risk pregnancies are identified in the first trimester. The aim of this review was to summarize the possible biomarkers that can be used to diagnose early placental dysfunction and, consequently, at-risk pregnancies. We divided the biomarkers into proteins and non-proteins. Among the protein biomarkers, some are already used in clinical practice, such as the sFLT1/PLGF ratio or PAPP-A; others are not yet validated, such as HTRA1, Gal-3 and CD93. In the literature, many studies analyzed the role of several protein biomarkers, but their results are contrasting. On the other hand, some non-protein biomarkers, such as miR-125b, miR-518b and miR-628-3p, seem to be linked to an increased risk of complicated pregnancy. Thus, a first trimester heterogeneous biomarkers panel containing protein and non-protein biomarkers may be more appropriate to identify and discriminate several complications that can affect pregnancies.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Biomarkers; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Placenta; Pregnancy Outcome; Pre-Eclampsia; MicroRNAs; Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A; Diabetes, Gestational
PubMed: 38892323
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116136 -
International Journal of Epidemiology Dec 2023COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to protect pregnant individuals against mild and severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, limited safety data are available for inactivated...
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to protect pregnant individuals against mild and severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, limited safety data are available for inactivated (CoronaVac) and mRNA (BNT162b2) vaccines during pregnancy regarding their effect on birth outcomes and neonatal mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 17 513 singleton live births conceived between 15 May 2021 and 23 October 2021. The primary exposure was maternal vaccination with CoronaVac or mRNA BNT162b2 vaccines and sub-analyses were performed by the gestational trimester of the first dose and the number of doses given during pregnancy. The outcomes were pre-term birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), low birthweight (LBW), low Apgar 5 and neonatal death. We used the Cox model to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% CI and applied the inverse probability of treatment weights to generate adjusted HRs.
RESULTS
We found no significant increase in the risk of PTB (HR: 0.98; 95% CI 0.88, 1.10), SGA (HR: 1.09; 95% CI 0.96, 1.27), LBW (HR: 1.00; 95% CI 0.88, 1.14), low Apgar 5 (HR: 0.81; 95% CI 0.55, 1.22) or neonatal death (HR: 0.88; 95% CI 0.56, 1.48) in women vaccinated with CoronaVac or BNT162b2 vaccines. These findings were consistent across sub-analyses stratified by the gestational trimester of the first dose and the number of doses given during pregnancy. We found mild yet consistent protection against PTB in women who received different vaccine platforms during the third trimester of pregnancy (any vaccines, HR: 0.78; 95% CI 0.63, 0.98; BNT162b2, HR: 0.75; 95% CI 0.59, 0.99).
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence that COVID-19 vaccination in all trimesters of pregnancy, irrespective of the vaccine type, is safe and does not increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes or neonatal deaths.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; BNT162 Vaccine; Brazil; Cohort Studies; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Infant Mortality; Perinatal Death; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Premature Birth; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37690066
DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyad120 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Dec 2023Pre-eclampsia affects 2%-8% of pregnancies and is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. First-trimester screening using an...
INTRODUCTION
Pre-eclampsia affects 2%-8% of pregnancies and is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. First-trimester screening using an algorithm that combines maternal characteristics, mean arterial blood pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index and biomarkers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and placental growth factor) is the method that achieves a greater diagnostic accuracy. It has been shown that daily salicylic acid administration before 16 weeks in women at a high risk for pre-eclampsia can reduce the incidence of preterm pre-eclampsia. However, no previous studies have evaluated the impact of routine first-trimester combined screening for pre-eclampsia with placental growth factor after being implemented in the clinical practice.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This was a multicenter cohort study conducted in eight different maternities across Spain. Participants in the reference group were prospectively recruited between October 2015 and September 2017. Participants in the study group were retrospectively recruited between March 2019 and May 2021. Pre-eclampsia risk was calculated between 11 and 13 weeks using the Gaussian algorithm combining maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure, uterine arteries pulsatility index, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and placental growth factor. Patients with a risk greater than 1/170 were prescribed daily salicylic acid 150 mg until 36 weeks. Patients in the reference group did not receive salicylic acid during gestation.
RESULTS
A significant reduction was observed in preterm pre-eclampsia (OR 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30-0.73), early-onset (<34 weeks) pre-eclampsia (OR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16-0.77), preterm small for gestational age newborn (OR 0.57; 95% CI: 0.40-0.82), spontaneous preterm birth (OR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.57-0.90), and admission to intensive care unit (OR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.37-0.81). A greater treatment adherence resulted in a significant reduction in adverse outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Routine first-trimester screening for pre-eclampsia with placental growth factor leads to a reduction in preterm pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Aspirin treatment compliance has a great impact on the effectiveness of this screening program.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pre-Eclampsia; Placenta Growth Factor; Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A; Cohort Studies; Spain; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Premature Birth; Salicylic Acid; Treatment Outcome; Biomarkers; Uterine Artery; Pulsatile Flow
PubMed: 37814344
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14687 -
PloS One 2023Low hemoglobin (Hb) level is a leading cause of many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Patterns of changes in Hb levels during pregnancy are not well understood.
BACKGROUND
Low hemoglobin (Hb) level is a leading cause of many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Patterns of changes in Hb levels during pregnancy are not well understood.
AIM
This study estimated Hb levels, described its changing patterns across gestational trimesters, and identified factors associated with these changes among pregnant women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data from the ongoing maternal and child health cohort study-The Mutaba'ah Study, was used (N = 1,120). KML machine learning algorithm was applied to identify three distinct cluster trajectories of Hb levels between the first and the third trimesters. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the study participants. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with change patterns in Hb levels.
RESULTS
The three identified clusters-A, B and C-had, respectively, median Hb levels (g/L) of 123, 118, and 104 in the first trimester and 119, 100, and 108 in the third trimester. Cluster 'A' maintained average normal Hb levels in both trimesters. Cluster 'B', on average, experienced a decrease in Hb levels below the normal range during the third trimester. Cluster 'C' showed increased Hb levels in the third trimester but remained, on average, below the normal range in both trimesters. Pregnant women with higher gravida, diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2), nulliparity or lower level of education were more likely to be in cluster 'B' than the normal cluster 'A'. Pregnant women who reported using iron supplements before pregnancy or those with low levels of education. were more likely to be in cluster 'C' than the normal cluster 'A'.
CONCLUSION
The majority of pregnant women experienced low Hb levels during pregnancy. Changes in Hb levels during pregnancy were associated with parity, gravida, use of iron before pregnancy, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2).
Topics: Child; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Pregnant Women; Cohort Studies; Hemoglobins; Iron; Parity; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
PubMed: 38064469
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295549 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2024Participating in physical activity during pregnancy has benefited a lot from maternal and child health. However, there are few longitudinal studies describing activity...
OBJECTIVE
Participating in physical activity during pregnancy has benefited a lot from maternal and child health. However, there are few longitudinal studies describing activity patterns and related factors during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to investigate longitudinal physical activity changes and the influencing factors of Chinese pregnant women.
METHODS
From January to August 2020, 240 pregnant women were recruited in Hangzhou, China. Physical activity during pregnancy was assessed in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy by using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire.
RESULTS
The daily energy consumption during first, second, and third trimesters was 20.55, 20.76, 17.19 METs-h/d. The results of repeated-measure analysis of variance and pairwise comparison showed that the total daily energy consumption of physical activity in the third trimester was significantly lower than that in the first and second trimesters, with statistical significance ( < 0.001). The generalized estimation equation showed that education level, pre-pregnancy BMI, gravidity, unnaturally conceived and pre-pregnancy exercise habits were the influencing factors of physical activity during pregnancy ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Physical activity levels of pregnant women during different trimester were not optimistic. In order to improve physical activity during pregnancy and promote the health status of both mother and the developing baby, more attention should be paid on pregnant women with low education level, high BMI before pregnancy, primipara, unnaturally conceived and no good exercise habits before pregnancy.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant; Child; Humans; Female; Pregnant Women; Longitudinal Studies; Mothers; China; Exercise
PubMed: 38262926
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2306190 -
Research Square Apr 2024Background Adverse life events and chronic psychological distress before and during pregnancy have frequently been associated with preterm birth (PTB) but the biological...
Background Adverse life events and chronic psychological distress before and during pregnancy have frequently been associated with preterm birth (PTB) but the biological underpinnings remain unclear. We investigated the association between corticosteroid levels in pre-pregnancy and first-trimester hair and the risk of PTB. Methods We followed 1,808 pregnant women from a prospective pre-birth cohort study in Lima, Perú. Hair samples were taken at the end of the first pregnancy trimester. The two most proximal 3cm segments to the scalp (representing pre-pregnancy and first-trimester) were analyzed to obtain hair cortisol and cortisone concentrations (HCC and HCNC). PTB was defined as birth < 37 completed gestational weeks. We constructed four generalized propensity scores for pre-pregnancy and first-trimester HCC and HCNC to create corresponding inverse probability weights before fitting marginal structural models for estimating the effect of HCC and HCNC on PTB risk. Results Pre-pregnancy Log HCC was not independently associated with PTB risk (RR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.79, 1.19). In contrast, one SD increase from the mean first-trimester Log HCC was independently associated with a 37% (95%CI: 1.11, 1.69) increased risk of PTB. Although imprecise, pre-pregnancy Log HCNC was negatively associated with PTB risk (RR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.58, 1.20), whereas the association between first-trimester Log HCNC and PTB risk was positive (RR = 1.20; 95%CI: 0.87, 1.65). Conclusions Our findings show that chronic corticosteroid levels in early pregnancy are causally linked to PTB risk in pregnant Peruvian women. This finding contributes to understanding the biological underpinnings of PTB better to enhance PTB prevention.
PubMed: 38746291
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4095921/v1 -
BMC Public Health Sep 2023Psychological wellbeing during pregnancy is imperative for optimal maternal outcomes. The present study aimed to determine the association between sleep quality, light...
BACKGROUND
Psychological wellbeing during pregnancy is imperative for optimal maternal outcomes. The present study aimed to determine the association between sleep quality, light exposure at night, and psychological wellbeing in the 2 and 3 trimesters of pregnancy.
METHODS
This prospective study was conducted in 9 randomly selected government maternity clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Healthy women aged 20-48 years old with single pregnancy were recruited using convenience sampling (n = 169). Sleep quality, light exposure at night, and psychological wellbeing were self-reported using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Harvard Light Exposure Assessment (H-LEA), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) in the 2 trimester and followed-up at the 3 trimester.
RESULTS
During the 2 and 3 trimesters of pregnancy, mild to severe symptoms of stress (10.7 and 11.3%), anxiety (42 and 44.3%), and depression (9.6 and 16.6%) were observed among the participants. Adjusted multiple linear regression revealed that poor sleep quality and higher light exposure at night were attributed to greater stress and depression symptoms in the 3 trimester. Higher lux level exposed from 10 pm to < 1 am was associated with increased stress (β = 0.212, p = 0.037) and depression (β = 0.228, p = 0.024). Only poor sleep quality was observed to adversely affect anxiety (β = 0.243, p = 0.002) and depression levels (β = 0.259, p = 0.001) in the 2 trimester.
CONCLUSIONS
Present study provided preliminary findings on the association between sleep quality, light at night, and psychological wellbeing of pregnant women. As a recommendation, future research could investigate whether public health interventions aimed at decreasing artificial light at night can benefit sleep quality and the psychological health of pregnant women.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Young Adult; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Prospective Studies; Sleep; Sleep Quality
PubMed: 37716989
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16655-y -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023This study was designed to explore the composition of the intestinal microbiota and its longitudinal variation between the second trimester (T2) and the third trimester... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Composition of the intestinal microbiota and its variations between the second and third trimesters in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and without gestational diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to explore the composition of the intestinal microbiota and its longitudinal variation between the second trimester (T2) and the third trimester (T3) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance.
METHODS
This observational study was conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). Women with GDM and pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance were enrolled in the study, and fecal samples were collected during T2 (weeks 24~28) and T3 (weeks 34~38). Fecal samples were analyzed from 49 women with GDM and 42 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance. The 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries were sequenced to analyze the microbiota and QIIME2 was used to analyze microbiome bioinformatics.
RESULTS
The four dominant phyla that , , and which accomplish about 99% of the total relative abundance did not significantly change between the T2 and T3 in the GDM and healthy groups. At the genus level, the relative abundance of (0 vs. 0.25%, P = 0.041) and (0 vs. 0.29%, P = 0.041) increased significantly in the control group, but not in the GDM group. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of and was significantly different between women with GDM and pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance in both T2 and T3. In T2 and T3, the relative abundances of , , and were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group (P<0.05). The relative abundance of in the GDM group was lower than in the control group in both T2 and T3.
CONCLUSIONS
The intestinal microbiota composition was stable from T2 to T3 in the GDM and control groups; however, the intestinal microbiota composition was different between the two groups.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Diabetes, Gestational; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Blood Glucose; Glucose; Bacteria; Actinobacteria
PubMed: 37522117
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1126572 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Oct 2023There is no early, first-trimester risk estimation available to predict later (gestational week 24-28) gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, it would be...
CONTEXT
There is no early, first-trimester risk estimation available to predict later (gestational week 24-28) gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, it would be beneficial to start an early treatment to prevent the development of complications.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to identify early, first-trimester prediction markers for GDM.
METHODS
The present case-control study is based on the study cohort of a Hungarian biobank containing biological samples and follow-up data from 2545 pregnant women. Oxidative-nitrative stress-related parameters, steroid hormone, and metabolite levels were measured in the serum/plasma samples collected at the end of the first trimester from 55 randomly selected control and 55 women who developed GDM later.
RESULTS
Pregnant women who developed GDM later during the pregnancy were older and had higher body mass index. The following parameters showed higher concentration in their serum/plasma samples: fructosamine, total antioxidant capacity, testosterone, cortisone, 21-deoxycortisol; soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dihydrotestosterone, cortisol, and 11-deoxycorticosterone levels were lower. Analyzing these variables using a forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression model, we established a GDM prediction model with a specificity of 96.6% and sensitivity of 97.5% (included variables: fructosamine, cortisol, cortisone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, SuPAR).
CONCLUSION
Based on these measurements, we accurately predict the development of later-onset GDM (24th-28th weeks of pregnancy). Early risk estimation provides the opportunity for targeted prevention and the timely treatment of GDM. Prevention and slowing the progression of GDM result in a lower lifelong metabolic risk for both mother and offspring.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Cortisone; Desoxycorticosterone; Diabetes, Gestational; Fructosamine; Hydrocortisone; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 37247379
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad301 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Mar 2024Women with a prior stillbirth or a history of recurrent first trimester miscarriages are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, little is known about... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Women with a prior stillbirth or a history of recurrent first trimester miscarriages are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, little is known about the impact of a second trimester pregnancy loss on subsequent pregnancy outcome. This review investigated if second trimester miscarriage or termination for medical reason or fetal anomaly (TFMR/TOPFA) is associated with future adverse pregnancy outcomes.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review of observational studies was conducted. Eligible studies included women with a history of a second trimester miscarriage or termination for medical reasons and their pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy. Where comparative studies were identified, studies which compared subsequent pregnancy outcomes for women with and without a history of second trimester loss or TFMR/TOPFA were included. The primary outcome was livebirth, and secondary outcomes included: miscarriage (first and second trimester), termination of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, cesarean section, preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, stillbirth and neonatal death. Studies were excluded if exposure was nonmedical termination or if related to twins or higher multiple pregnancies. Electronic searches were conducted using the online databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and The Cochrane Library) and searches were last updated on June 16, 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Where possible, meta-analysis was undertaken. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023375033.
RESULTS
Ten studies were included, reporting on 12 004 subsequent pregnancies after a second trimester pregnancy miscarriage. No studies were found on outcomes after second trimester TFMR/TOPFA. Overall, available data were of "very low quality" using GRADE assessment. Meta-analysis of cohort studies generated estimated outcome frequencies for women with a previous second trimester loss as follows: live birth 81% (95% CI: 64-94), miscarriage 15% (95% CI: 4-30, preterm birth 13% [95% CI: 6-23]).The pooled odds ratio for preterm birth in subsequent pregnancy after second trimester loss in case-control studies was OR 4.52 (95% CI: 3.03-6.74).
CONCLUSIONS
Very low certainty evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy after a late miscarriage. However, evidence is limited. Larger, higher quality cohort studies are needed to investigate this potential association.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Abortion, Spontaneous; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Stillbirth; Premature Birth; Cesarean Section; Abortion, Habitual
PubMed: 38037500
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14731